While the window remains open for people with plans for repurposing — or removing — Emporia’s downtown Carnegie Library, the city has announced a special open forum with information about some of the options for the property.
The forum is at 7 pm Nov. 12 at the White Auditorium Little Theater. Speakers will include a representative from the Kansas State Historical Society, Lori DeWinkler of Red Rocks State Historic Site and Emporia Main Street Director Casey Woods. residents interested in seeing the building from the inside are encouraged to take a guided tour, which begins at 4 pm that afternoon.
The city of Emporia has now been working for over three years towards a resolution for the property after the Lyon County Historical Society moved to the History Center at 711 Commercial in 2016, clearing its storage items from the old space in 2020. Prior conversations in 2022 led to proposals from Jason and Cassie Heffron and the Emporia Library, neither of which led to a sale. The city is considering mothballing the property, a full renovation, demolition as part of work towards green space or a sale as it works towards a possible decision by early January.
Residents interested in a tour or just in learning more about the building can call Director of Public Lands and Facilities Kevin Hanlin at 620-343-4294 or email khanlin@emporiaks.gov. Residents with a plan for the property can apply at emporiaks.gov/surpluspropertyapp.
