The Maya Angelou Branch Library, 3051 E. 21st St., closed for renovation since October 1, is scheduled to reopen in late February. The branch is undergoing a complete interior remodel as part of the Library’s master plan to enhance services at branch locations.
Customers are being redirected to the Rockwell Branch of the Wichita Public Library, located at 5939 E. This design puts an addition on the west side of the building; changes the interior layout; adds a study room; and includes new flooring, furniture, lighting, and art.
History of Northeast Wichita Branches
It’s hard to believe the rather modern branch is nearly 30 years old. It opened in 1996 after a history of starts and stops for libraries in Wichita’s Northeast Community.
In the 1920s and 1930s, the city library and school system jointly operated part-time libraries for students at various schools throughout the city. Even though Wichita’s modern branch library system began in 1954, it was a while before Northeast Wichita had a branch.
Beginning in 1958, the library delivered services from a small space inside the McKinley (later renamed McAdams) Park Community Center building. While not officially called a branch, this was the earliest known city library location in northeast Wichita.
Northeast Wichita didn’t get a full library branch to replace the McAdams Park until 1969 when a branch was opened in the former Steen IGA building at 2225 E. 21st. ST. but it closed a year later.
The branch then opened as the Northeast branch at 2420 E. 21st.
In 1972, the branch moved to 2620 E. 21st.
In 1977, there was a proposal to put a branch library at what would become the Atwater Community Center at 2755 E. 19th. On June 11, 1979, the Northeast branch opened at this new location.
In 1986, the Northeast branch moved again, this time to Madison Square strip mall, 2225 E. 21st. By the early 1990s, it was apparent the library branch would need to move again.
After considering several lots near 21st and Hillside, the city council settled on the current site with the branch opening in 1996.
Alternative Branches
During the construction process, customers can also access the following nearby library locations:
Advanced Learning Library, 711 W. 2nd St.
Evergreen Branch, 2601 N. Arkansas
Walters Branch, 4195 E. Harry St.
