The dream of the Wamego Public Library was started in 1937 by a group of civic-minded women with donations and aid from the Works Progress Administration funds, a federally-funded employment program. From this inception, the library has grown, expanded services, and changed locations multiple times. In the summer of 2002 it moved into it’s current building which was donated to the City of Wamego by the Kaw Valley State Bank.

BBN Architects recently completed a Feasibility Study for the Wamego, Kansas Public Library. The process began with an extensive community needs assessment that included on-line surveys, focus group sessions and interviews with staff and stakeholders. Several key objectives were identified in this process:

• Expand collections of all media (books, CD’s and DVD’s)
• Improve technological learning resources
• Enhance programming for all user age groups
• Space to add staff to better serve patrons
• Improve access and visibility to the Children’s Library

The final study included strategies to remodel and add on to the existing library in addition to evaluation of alternative site locations being considered in the downtown area. BBN Architects has been retained to design a remodel of the existing 8,000 s.f. library and a 6,800 s.f. addition to the west of the existing building.

The Wamego Public Library is, and has been a vibrant part of the Wamego community. BBN is grateful to have played a role in their vision for the future.