About the Agency

State Library of Kansas

The State Library of Kansas houses government, legislative and historical records. The State Library is a state agency housed on the third floor of the Capitol building's north wing. In addition to the documents held in the State Library's collection, the location provides space for patrons to read, make copies or use one of the public computers on the west side.

The State Library also maintains digital databases for state agencies and research and historical databases for the general public. Digital collections also include eBooks, audiobooks, and online resources for Kansans. The State Library also oversees the Talking Books program, which provides support and specialized materials to eligible Kansans.

Our Mission

It is the mission of the State Library to improve the lives of Kansas residents by providing resources that

• Will deliver 21st Century library services and resources to all Kansans and help all Kansans be successful in a global market.
• Increase reading readiness and on-grade reading acuity.
• Improve chances for academic success.
• Help start and grow businesses.
• Assist individuals with employment opportunities.
• Provide lifelong educational services.

Our History

The State Library was founded on the basis of the Kansas Territorial Library, first funded in 1855. In 1863, the Kansas Legislature made the first appropriations of $2,000 to form the Kansas State Library. Originally, the collection consisted of a general collection and a law collection and was housed in the state auditor’s office who also acted as librarian. This proved unsatisfactory and an act in 1870 designated a board of directors and State Librarian appointed by the governor. The initial annual salary of the State Librarian was $500. At this time, the State Library was housed in a room in the East wing of the Capitol. In 1900, the State Library was moved to its current site in the North Wing on the third floor of the Capitol. The State Librarian at the time, populist Annie Diggs, described it best: 

"The new rooms are not only spacious and commodious, but delightfully attractive as well. The frescoing is exquisite in color and the woodwork fine of finish… There is no convenience know to the modern library which is unsupplied. The aisles between the rows of book-stacks are furnished with electric lights, which may be turned on at need by switches at each entrance… The large spaces set aside for reading- rooms on either side of the great hall are finely lighted by large windows which command beautiful views of Topeka’s best buildings."

The State Library was built to include the first electric lighting in the Capitol building as well as a glass floor on the second deck. The third deck was added in 1917.

The State Library’s services have changed and adapted as Kansans needs have changed. In 1889, the State Library began a traveling library service to serve rural Kansans. In 1964, a system of grants was developed to assist rural libraries.

The needs of individuals with low vision and print disabilities are met through the Kansas Talking Books service begun in the early 1970s. A service to help Kansans obtain important U.S. and Kansas census information began in 1980. The State Library continues to serve the needs of state agencies, legislators and the general public, and will continue to grow and change.

Interesting Facts

• The State Library is a depository for federal and state government documents.
• The brass railing in the foyer features a sunflower design. The railing was installed in 1900, three years before the sunflower was designated the state flower of Kansas.
• The second level contains 383 glass panes and the glass is nearly 1” thick.
• The library’s stacks are made of steel and support the second level glass floor.
• Two historic lifts, still in use today, transport books between the first and second levels of the library.
• A bird’s head, a pineapple, and a face with an ornamental headdress are found in the library’s stenciling.
• The oldest book in the library is “Law Tracts” by Sir Francis Bacon, published in 1741
• The first state librarian, Rev. David Dickinson M.D., served four years and received a salary of $500.
• Annie Diggs was the fifth state librarian, 1898 to 1902. Her desk is on display in the library’s foyer.  She was known as a Populist orator, politician, and social reformer.
• The Traveling Libraries Commission and the Kansas Library Association were established while Annie Diggs was the state librarian.
• Annie Diggs helped design the State Library. Diggs had this to say about the newly opened library in September 1900, “The new rooms are not only spacious and commodious but delightfully attractive as well. The frescoing is exquisite in color and the woodwork fine of finish. There is no convenience known to the modern library which is unsupplied.”  from The Kansas State Library by Allen Gardiner
• Ray C. Walling is the 18th and current state librarian, beginning his tenure in 2022. Tasked with supporting the state government's information needs and expanding information access to all Kansans, Walling holds to the motto of his alma mater, ‘connecting people, information, and technology in more valuable ways,’ through thoughtful leadership.

• View the 125 Years of State Library Innovations for Kansans Proclamation signed by Governor Laura Kelly January 31, 2025.