For many years, the tool used to look up books was a card catalog.

Books were checked out using a Gaylord machine to stamp the cards with a date due and the patron's library card number.

Computers have gradually revolutionized library service!

In February of 2001, the library went online with the SIRSI automated circulation system for checking materials in and out.

The original Ottawa Library building at 5th and Main was built in 1903.

The building was designed by architect George Washburn, and funded in part by Andrew Carnegie.

Julia Walsh was the first librarian.

Genevieve Rock (later Mrs. James S. Petersen) is shown working at the circulation desk in the rotunda.

The Franklin building is shown under construction in this K.C. Times photo, 4/17/84. The Carnegie building did not meet ADA requirements and was becoming crowded by the 1990s.

The solution was to share the former Franklin Savings building with City Hall.The library moved to it's new location at 105 S Hickory in September of 1996.