Kennedy Library

Need for a New Library

Finding a Suitable Location

"A Fitting Tribute"

Opening and Dedication

Kennedy Library's Popularity

1990 Renovation

Expansion

Kennedy Library Today

Sources

Front of Kennedy Library building with sign

Need for a New Library

A newspaper portrait of Dr. William Sutton, who is wearing glasses.

In July 1957, Ball State Teachers College Professor Dr. William Sutton appealed to MPL’s board to build a library on the Northwest side of Muncie, but at the time, Muncie Public Library was still in the process of financing the building of the new Webb Hunt Branch. However, the director at the time Leon Jones filed that away for future plans, and MPL continued to set aside funds for the construction of a new branch on the Northwest side of Muncie, an area that was rapidly growing at the time. However, the problem of a suitable location for the new branch became of increasing concern at the end of 1961 and throughout the early half of 1962. Muncie Public Library initially wanted a location between Riverside and University Avenues in relation to Tillotson, but investigation into suitable sites there did not pan out. Another location that the library looked into was the old Kroger at 2811 W. Jackson Street. This possibility had plenty of space for a new branch as well as Extension Services, which needed more garage space to house the library’s bookmobile. However, no action was taken to secure it, perhaps due to the cost of the building.

Dr. William Sutton (Muncie Star, 04-26-1959)

Finding a Suitable Location

In order to create a budget and plan for the new library branch, Muncie Public Library needed to find a suitable location as soon as possible. Then Library Director Leon Jones and his daughter began to drive around the Northwest side of Muncie looking for a site so as to solve the location problem. One day around Memorial Day in May, he noted the property at the corner of McGalliard and Rosewood as perfect for a new library location, which was then owned by the Bartel Company. The land was purchased in July 1962, and the firm Wilson & Terwilliger of Richmond, Indiana was chosen later that year to design the Norwood branch.

The concept drawing of the Norwood Branch shows a stone library with windows and a door in the middle of the buidling. The roof is mainly flat with three arches above the windows and door on the front. Another arch is above a window on the right. A group of people walk along the sidewalk on the right while another group heads to the door of the library. The caption reads, "Norwood Branch Library, McGalliard & Rosewood Streets, Muncie Indiana, Wilson & Terwilliger Architects."

A concept drawing of Norwood Branch Library by architects Wilson & Terwilliger (MPL Archives, 1963)

Kristin Jones Doyle, daughter of former MPL Director Leon Jones, talks about finding the perfect location for Kennedy Library on a Sunday drive with her father.

"A Fitting Tribute"

John F. Kennedy's official White House portrait

Construction began on the new library on October 15, 1963 with a groundbreaking ceremony attended by the library’s board of directors, Mayor H. Arthur Tuhey, and building contractor W.M. Glaser. A little over a month later, a tragedy struck the nation. President John F. Kennedy was assassinated on November 22, 1963 in Dallas, TX. A week later, the MPL board of directors voted unanimously to change the name of the new library to the John F. Kennedy Memorial Library in order to commemorate the slain President. The board stated, “It is most fitting this should be done because President John F. Kennedy was not only a man of letters himself but, also, a constant supporter of programs for increased educational opportunity” (Muncie Star, 11-30-1963, p. 1).

John Fitzgerald Kennedy, the 35th President of the United States. Kennedy's assassination shocked the whole nation, and many in Muncie later could recall what they were doing when they heard the news that he had been shot. As a senator, John F. Kennedy had visited Muncie on two separate occasions in 1960 in his campaign for President. On April 7, he appeared in a press conference at the Ball State Student Center and then later, spoke at Assembly Hall. On October 5, Kennedy first stopped for an impromptu speech to Warner Gear workers waiting for him along State Road 32 before proceeding to speak at the Courthouse in downtown Muncie.

Opening and Dedication

After many delays, the new library opened on November 30, 1964 and cost $181,000 to build. It boasted 12,000 square feet of floor space with 5,000 of that dedicated to public use where approximately 10,000 books were stored. The back of the library contained Extension Services, which supplied books to Muncie Community Schools and operated the two bookmobiles. Miss Alice Rude was the first branch manager. The new library also included a meeting room, main office, staff room, extension librarian’s office, and boiler room.

John F. Kennedy Branch Library circa 1960s (MPL Archives)

The new Kennedy Library building sits at the corner of McGalliard and Rosewood. The building is made of stone with windows and door in the middle. Three arches are above the windows and front door. To the left, the letters read, "John F. Kennedy Branch."

Miss Alice Rude, left, prepares books for the library while Director Leon Jones, right, looks on.

Miss Alice Rude, Kennedy Library's first branch manager, and then Director Leon Jones prepare books for use the day before the new library opened (Muncie Star, 11-29-1964).

The west wing of Kennedy Library has books on the far wall with tables scattered throughout the building. The front entrance can be seen on the left. The front desk is on the right.

The interior of Kennedy Library circa 1960s (MPL Archives, Photograph by Ruth Chin)

Originally scheduled for January 17, 1965, the dedication for the new library actually occurred on February 7, 1965 thanks to Indiana’s winter weather. Senator Birch Bayh and State Librarian Robert McLarren spoke at the dedication. Bayh called the library a “fitting tribute because Kennedy’s own choice of a memorial was a library.” Furthermore, the building was “a memorial to the spirit of light, life, and learning” (Muncie Star, 2-8-1965, p. 1).

The Kennedy Library dedication program includes a statement that John F. Kennedy made in 1962 during National Library Week. It has a list of the then Muncie Public Library Board and program order with the names of people doing each part.

The back of the John F. Kennedy Branch dedication program has a list of branches with hours, addresses, and phone numbers.

Kennedy Library dedication program (MPL Archives, 02-07-1965)

Kennedy Library's Popularity

Eileen Fox, left, checks out materials to Lyndon Collings, left, while the Director Leon Jones, middle, watched the exchange.

From day one, Kennedy Library has been one of the most popular branches within the system in terms of foot traffic and circulations. In the first few days of the new branch’s opening, Kennedy Library circulated 1,000 materials per day and had to borrow from the other branch libraries in order to meet demand! By 1978, Kennedy Library circulated 150,000 items per year, and that number has consistently climbed since then, keeping it as the most popular branch in the Muncie Public Library system. Why is that so? Many current librarians here at MPL have noted that Kennedy's location in Muncie is ideal. The library sits in the heart of McGalliard Road near banks, grocery stores, and other places of business in Muncie, making it very easy to stop at the library while out and about running errands.

Lyndon W. Collings, pictured here on the right, was the very first person to borrow a book from the new John F. Kennedy Branch Library when it opened on November 30, 1964. Eileen Fox, right, checked out the materials to Lyndon while then Director Leon Jones watched the exchange. (Muncie Evening Press, 11-30-1964)

1990 Renovation

A hand-drawn floor plan of the interior of Kennedy Library shows the different sections and rooms that comprise the library. The floor plan includes locations of tables, stacks, bathrooms, doors, etc. with accompanying labels. The artist was Joanne Burney, who drew this in May 1988.

In 1989, Kennedy Library turned twenty-five and was in need of a renovation for more space and updates to the building. The library’s board of directors chose the architectural firm the Harry Cooler Group for the redesign, and the renovation work began in 1990 under the direction of the Wilson-Blazek Corporation. Not only did the building get a new roof and carpeting as well as repairs to the HVAC system, but also the children’s and meeting rooms were the focus of the remodel in order to expand both spaces. The children’s room received a new reading nook and two-story playhouse with cubbyholes and a slide, which visitors to the branch loved, while the meeting room was moved so that it could be accessed outside of the library’s main area and expanded to seat 60 people. Last, new wiring was placed during the construction in order to prepare for the new automated catalog, which was introduced to the public in 1992 at Kennedy Library during an open house. (To learn more about the automated catalog initiative, visit here.)

Kennedy Library floor plan as drawn by Joanne Burney in May 1988 (MPL Archives); For anyone who may remember Joanne, she once described herself as Muncie Public Library's "auxiliary artist" because she used to design posters, artwork, flyers, and any other items needed for special events. At one point, she even taught drawing to children as part of the library's youth programming. Outside of the library, she did work as a freelance artist and won awards and recognition for her artwork. Joanne worked for Muncie Public Library for 34 years, from 1967-2001.

The story time nook sits in the corner of the children's area in between shelves of books. On the wall to the left is a cardboard cutout of Garfield the cat. On each wall is also a bulletin board with images of fall, one of turkeys while the other is of raking leaves.

The new reading nook in the remodeled Kennedy Library children's area; As you can see, the children's area was spruced up with cheerful and playful colors. The library also added in a skylight to this corner to brighten up the area. (MPL Archives, n.d.)

Toddler Jesse Luke sits on the floor of the newly renovated children's area in Kennedy Library. He is holding and opening a book.

Jesse Luke, two-year-old son of Greg and Donna Luke, enjoys the new Kennedy Library children's area (Muncie Evening Press, 09-20-1990, p. 17).

Expansion

The information desk at Kennedy Library is on the left while the computer lab sits to the right. Behind the lab and desks are some of the book stacks within the library.

Kennedy Library information desk circa 1990s (MPL Archives)

The cramped interior of Kennedy Library includes book stacks, a computer lab, the information and check-out desks, and tables for patrons to sit and work.

West side of Kennedy Library circa 1990s (MPL Archives)

An interior view of Kennedy Library shows the entrance to Children's Services and the audiovisual area.

Entrance to Youth Services at Kennedy Library circa 1990s (MPL Archives)

With community input earlier that year, Muncie Public Library announced plans to renovate, update, and expand the Kennedy branch once again in October 2005. The remodel added over 5,000 feet of much needed space, doubling the public computer lab and increasing the meeting room to triple its seating capacity while taking universal design and ADA compliance into account in order to make the building more accessible. Fundraising efforts to raise money for the expansion began in 2006 with the Buy A Brick Campaign.

Engraved, terracotta bricks and line a wall in Kennedy Library. The two sections of brick are divided by bigger, gray stones that are etched, thanking the biggest donors to the Kennedy Library renovation project.

As part of the fundraising efforts, Muncie Public Library launched a Buy A Brick Campaign to community members as a way to “create a permanent and meaningful way to honor a loved one or recognize an individual, business, or organization” (MPLNow, Fall 2006, p. 6). You can still see this beautiful, engraved brick wall at the entrance of Kennedy Library.

Stones of various colors and sizes make up a wall in the Kennedy Library meeting room. This wall was once the exterior of the original Kennedy Library building.

In order to learn more from the community about a possible expansion of Kennedy Library, MPL utilized focus groups of children and adults to gain input. Both groups stated that they wanted more space, but at the same time, they also wanted the library to stay the same because it had a comforting environment. Neither group wanted Kennedy Library to lose its "heart" (MPL Archives, 04-12-2005), and the library kept that in mind as demolition and construction occurred. For example, this wall in Kennedy Library pictured here used to be the exterior wall of the original library! It was incorporated into the new design. (MPL Archives, [DATE])

During construction, Kennedy Library closed to the public. The library’s collection moved temporarily to the old Riley School on Walnut Street so that the community could still use the materials. Kennedy@Riley opened on January 29, 2007 and remained in service until January 24, 2008. Former classrooms were lined with bookshelves, chalkboard ledges held book displays, and tables and chairs were situated so that patrons could have a space to sit and work. Almost everything provided as part of the services of Kennedy Library were transferred to Kennedy@Riley during the renovation with the exception of the computer lab and most programming. Children’s storytime hours were still held during that time.

Annetta Terrell sits behind a cart loaded with books in the workroom at Kennedy Library. Other desks and shelves line the walls of the room.

Annetta Terrell in the workroom at Kennedy @ Riley (MPL Archives, ca. 2007).

Shelves are filled with books at the Kennedy at Riley location of Muncie Public Library.

Kennedy @ Riley (MPL Archives, ca. 2007)

The foundation of Kennedy Library's extension has been set, and the west wall of the old library can be seen on the left.

Demolition began on Kennedy Library in April 2007 with construction completed in January of the next year. The grand opening celebration of Kennedy Library occurred on February 14, 2008 just in time for Valentine’s Day (or in book circles Library Lovers’ Day)! More than 1,000 people attended the event. In the words of then Director Ginny Nilles, the new library was designed to “dazzle, inspire, and delight” (Star Press, 02-10-2008, p. 1D), and community members agreed. The new look of Kennedy Library drew comments like “Awesome,” Spacious,” “Beautiful,” and “This place looks great” when it was unveiled (Star Press, 02-15-2008, p. 3A).

Kennedy Library was expanded from the west side of the building as seen here. This area would include more collection space, a meeting room, and a new, main, front entrance. (MPL Archives, 2007). Take a look below at what the final product looked like during the grand opening celebration (MPLNow, Spring 2008)!

A short blurb talks about the new changes and reaction to the newly renovated space. The article, "Kennedy Library Reopens to Rave Reviews" includes a photograph collage of attendees doing various activities throughout the library.

Kennedy Library Today

Today, Kennedy Library is still a full service library with a lending collection and continues to be the busiest library in the MPL system. It also offers an open computer lab with faxing and copying service, programming for all ages, a community room, art exhibition space, and much more. Since the renovation, this branch of Muncie Public Library has added a solar carport as part of the library’s green initiatives as well as a new fence to provide easier access to Kennedy Library’s green space. In January 2023, Muncie Public Library asked the community for input on what to do with the green space and has plans to pursue grants and donations to create an attractive, safe space for the community to use.

Donna Catron, Kennedy Library Branch Manager, talks about what makes MPL's Kennedy Library branch special.

A group of children pose with Garfield and smile at the camera while they enjoy activities offered at Kennedy Library's Spring Fest.

A group of children take a photo with MPL's unofficial mascot Garfield during Kennedy Library's Spring Fest (MPL Archives, 04-29-2019).

A customer stands in front of a microphone while she waits patiently for her next word during Kennedy Library's adult spelling bee.

This patron waits patiently to hear her word during Kennedy Library's spelling bee (MPL Archives, 09-18-2019).

Kennedy Library celebrated its 60th anniversary last year in November 2024. Do you have a favorite memory of MPL's most popular branch?Please consider sharing it by clicking here.

Sources

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Boyd, Oseye T. “Kennedy Library Will Close During Renovation.” (07-04-2006). Star Press. Carnegie Library. Muncie Public Library.

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Koch, Gail. “This Place Looks Great.” (02-15-2008). Star Press. Carnegie Library. Muncie Public Library.

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Nosakhere, Akilah. “February is Love Your Library Month.” (Feb-Mar 2023). Library Connections.

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