Olathe Public Library

Library Hours:

Mon-Thur  9:00am-8:30pm

Friday 9:00am-6:00pm

Saturday  10:00am-5:00pm

Sunday 1:00pm-5:00pm

Statement of Library Mission

The Library actively pursues a role as the primary information center in the community. Accurate and useful information is provided to the citizenry through the use of technology and resource materials. Further emphasis is placed upon young children and their families through materials and services which will encourage reading and lifelong learning. In addition, the Library features current, high-demand materials of popular interest for users all ages in various formats.

History:

Leading Ladies

1889 - The roots of the Olathe Public Library can be found in the activities of the Ladies Reading Circle, founded in 1883. The Ladies Reading Circle was founded by three Olathe women: Mrs. John P. St. John, wife of the former Governor of Kansas, her sister-in-law,Mrs.Emma Parker, and Mrs.Celestia Stevenson. The Ladies Reading Circle was thefirst of the Olathe Federated Women's Clubs, and is still active today.

Although a subscription library was started by the Olathe Library Association in the 1870s, the Ladies Reading Circle was the first to try to establish a public library.In 1889, members began that effort by obtaining a loan of 50 books from the State Library for a six-month period.