Kemp Public Library
Wichita Falls, Wichita County, Texas
Marker Inscription
In the 1890s Flora Anderson Kemp (1861-1957) and other women in Wichita Falls circulated books among friends. After many attempts to begin a library, Mrs. Kemp in 1916 asked her husband, pioneer businessman Joseph Alexander Kemp (1861-1930), for a public library building as a Christmas gift. In 1918 Kemp presented the main structure of this building to the citizens of Wichita Falls. The community donated 4,000 books and raised money for furnishings. While the building has been enlarged and remodeled several times, the original structure remains intact. (1979)
Erected by Texas Historical Commission
The Story
In the 1890s Flora Anderson Kemp and other Wichita Falls women began circulating books among friends, an early grassroots library. After years of trying, Flora asked her husband, pioneer businessman Joseph Alexander Kemp, for a public library building as a Christmas gift in 1916; in 1918 he presented the main structure to the city. Citizens donated 4,000 books and raised money to furnish it, and though enlarged over the years, the original building remains intact.
Why it matters
It reflects the Progressive-era library movement and the leading role women played in bringing free public reading to their communities.
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Related people
- · Flora Anderson Kemp
- · Joseph Alexander Kemp
Themes & tags
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