Gilbert M. Simmons Memorial Library

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Gilbert M. Simmons Memorial Library
Gilbert M. Simmons Memorial Library.jpg
Gilbert M. Simmons Memorial Library
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Alternative namesSimmons Neighborhood Library
EtymologyGilbert Maurice Simmons
General information
StatusComplete
TypeLibrary
Address711 59th Pl.
Town or cityKenosha, Wisconsin
CountryUnited States
Current tenantsKenosha Public Library
Construction started1899
Completed1900
OpeningJuly 1900
InauguratedMay 1900
Cost$150,000
OwnerCity of Kenosha
Height
Top floor3
Technical details
Floor count3
Floor area9,045 sqft
Lifts/elevators0
Design and construction
ArchitectDaniel Burnham
DeveloperOssian Cole Simonds
Other information
Parking14
Public transit accessMetra : Kenosha station, line Union Pacific / North Line
Kenosha Area Transit, routes 2 and 4
Website
https://www.mykpl.info/simmons
Gilbert M. Simmons Memorial Library
Gilbert M. Simmons Memorial Library is located in Wisconsin
Gilbert M. Simmons Memorial Library
Location711 59th Pl., Kenosha, Wisconsin
Coordinates42°34′50″N 87°49′10″W / 42.58056°N 87.81944°W / 42.58056; -87.81944
Architectural styleClassical Revival
Part ofLibrary Park Historic District (ID88002657)
NRHP reference No.74000093[1]
Significant dates
Added to NRHPDecember 17, 1974
Designated WHSLJanuary 1, 1989.

The Gilbert M. Simmons Memorial Library is located in Kenosha, Wisconsin, United States, and is a location of the Kenosha Public Library (KPL). KPL consists of 4 locations, an Outreach department, and is a member of the both the Kenosha County Library System (KCLS)[2] and the SHARE Consortium.[3] The Simmons Memorial Library was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1974, and was the first formal location for KPL.[4][5] KPL was named the Power of Libraries Award Winner in 2018,[6] Wisconsin Library Association's 2020 Library of the Year,[7][8] and a finalist for the National Medal for Museum and Library Service in 2021.[9]

History[]

Library interior

The Gilbert M. Simmons Memorial Library was the first public building in the City Park district in Kenosha, Wisconsin. Upon its completion, City Park became known as Library Park. Daniel Burnham designed the Neoclassical library while Ossian Cole Simonds developed the landscaping plan. Former Kenosha mayor Zalmon G. Simmons donated $150,000 for the building's construction on the condition that it be named in honor for his deceased son. The city agreed, and the library opened to the public on May 30, 1900.[10][11] As the city's first public library building, Gilbert M. Simmons Memorial Library greatly increased the volumes of literature available to the citizens of Kenosha. By the mid-1910s, the library had 124,368 volumes and sought to expand with a branch library.[12]

The building was recognized by the National Park Service with a listing on the National Register of Historic Places on December 17, 1974. When the Library Park Historic District was created in 1988, the library was listed as a contributing property.[1]

There are rumors of the library being haunted by a female ghost. There is also legend of a secret tomb in the library.[13]

Governance[]

The Kenosha Public Library is governed by a Board of Trustees appointed by the Mayor of Kenosha and approved by the City Council. The Board is composed of nine citizen members, eight City of Kenosha residents and one representative of the Kenosha Unified School District.[14]

Services[]

Collections[]

The Simmons Library's collection count is over 13,000 items, has access to over 275,000 items via the other Kenosha Public Library locations, and over 2 million items a through the partnership with libraries in Racine County, Walworth County, and Rock County.[15]

Digital collections[]

Kenosha Public Library cardholders can digitally borrow books, music and movies since 2017 by creating an account on the online platform Hoopla.[16] The Library also offers audiobook, e-book, and eMagazine services, including OverDrive eBooks & eAudiobooks, TeachingBooks Library, Ebsco eBooks, and Online tutoring, delivered via the library's website.[17]

Technology[]

The Simmons Library technology services include public access computers and free wireless internet access throughout the library. The Library also provides access to e-books, music, movies, and other electronic collections. The library also has a color printer & copier where users are charged $0.15 per page for black & white prints and $0.25 for color prints. Printing at the library uses a secure release station to help protect patron privacy, with a secondary printer located Children's Room. A fax machine is also available for public use, with a 3D printer available by request from the Southwest Library.[18] The library also started to operate a Book Break telephone hotline during the COVID-19 pandemic, which reads stories to children.[19]

The library system uses RFID pads on all library materials where users only need to place the book on a table and checks out without scanning.

See also[]

References[]

  1. ^ Jump up to: a b "National Register Information System". National Register of Historic Places. National Park Service. July 9, 2010.
  2. ^ "Kenosha County Library System". mykcls.info. Retrieved 2021-07-25.
  3. ^ "SHARE Consortium". lakeshores.lib.wi.us. Retrieved 2021-07-25.
  4. ^ "Gilbert M. Simmons Memorial Library". Landmark Hunter.com. Retrieved 2012-02-25.
  5. ^ "Gilbert M. Simmons Memorial Library". Wisconsin Historic Society. Retrieved 2018-06-30.
  6. ^ "Power of Libraries". SirsiDynix. Retrieved 2021-07-25.
  7. ^ "Kenosha Public Library honored as Library of the Year". Kenosha News. Retrieved 2021-07-25.
  8. ^ "2020 Awards Announcements". Wisconsin Library Association. Retrieved 2021-07-25.
  9. ^ "KPL selected as finalist for National Medal for Museum and Library Science". Kenosha.com. Retrieved 2021-07-25.
  10. ^ "Library Park Historic District - Visitors' Guide" (PDF). Retrieved 2018-06-30.
  11. ^ Charlene Stant Engel (1974-07-01). "Simmons, Gilbert M., Memorial Library". NRHP Inventory-Nomination Form. US Dept. of the Interior. National Park Service. Retrieved 2018-06-30. With one photo.
  12. ^ Public Libraries: A Monthly Review of Library Matters and Methods. 19. Chicago, IL: Library Bureau. 1914.
  13. ^ Is Simmons Library haunted? Some think so. Kenosha News. Retrieved 2019-10-08
  14. ^ "Board of Trustees". mykpl.info. Retrieved 2021-07-25.
  15. ^ "Member Libraries". lakeshores.lib.wi.us. Retrieved 2021-07-25.
  16. ^ "Hoopla! Download movies, comics, and more". mykpl.info. Retrieved 2021-07-25.
  17. ^ "Digital Resources". Retrieved 2021-07-25.
  18. ^ "(3D) Printing, Copying, Faxing, Scanning". mykpl.info/. Retrieved 2021-07-25.
  19. ^ "Fun for Kids at KPL". mykpl.info. Retrieved 2021-07-25.

External links[]

Media related to Gilbert M. Simmons Memorial Library at Wikimedia Commons

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