Phone (785) 363-2769 .:. Fax (785) 363-2778
129 E. Commercial .:. P.O. Box 132 .:. Waterville, Kansas 66548

The Waterville Public Library is celebrating its 100th anniversary this year. In April, 1906, the Shakespeare Club (a women's study club) appointed a committee to found a public library and reading room. In October, 1906 a traveling library was sent for and books were kept in the Eli Peterson store.  Members were assessed 10 cents to help pay for the cost of transporting the books.

The Shakespeare Club had many fund-raisers to buy a separate building. They had lecture courses, including one by Kansas author Margaret Hill McCarter, home talent benefits and book socials. On March 11, 1914, the group's goal was achieved...the Public Library opened in a room in the City Hall Basement (the Opera House building.)

In 1941, the club purchased the former Farmers Sate Bank Building. It was remodeled and officially opened June 19, 1942. The building was later given to the City of Waterville. In 1979, the city purchased the adjoining former Dean grocery store for an addition to the library. The new space was in use by 1981.

Today, there are around 10,000 items in the Library's collection, including adult and juvenile fiction and non-fiction books, large print books, audio books, music cds, dvds, videos, magazines and newspapers. The Library is also a member of the North Central Kansas Library System and receives 300 different books every other month from the book van.

The library has microfilm of the Waterville Telegraph going back to its first issue in 1876. A reader/printer is available for researching the Telegraph microfilm.

There are three public computers with Internet access available to our patrons. Fax and copying services are available.

Special programs include Kansas Humanities Council lectures, the Summer Reading Program every June and July and the Read With Mrs. Santa program in December for children ages 4 through 3rd grade.

Hours of operation are:
Monday: 2:00-5:00 PM
Tuesday: 2:00-5:00 PM
Wednesday: 2:00-5:00 PM
Thursday: 5:00-8:00 PM
Friday: 2:00-5:00 PM
Saturday: 10:00 AM-1:00 PM
Sunday: Closed

Telephone: (785) 363-2769
FAX: (785) 363-2778
E-Mail: This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it

The physical address for the Library is 129 E Commercial
Mailing address is PO Box 132, Waterville KS  66548

Library Director is Heather Dreith

2008 Board members are:
President Bevy Roepke
Vice President Mary Irons
Treasurer Mary Lou Roepke
Secretary Jeannette Bergquist
Ruth Ann Roepke
Beth Krasny
Eunice Larson