Around 30 community members congregated at the Little Theater Wednesday evening, to hear several speakers discuss the current condition, historic importance, and future of the Emporia Carnegie Library.

Opened in 1906, the Carnegie Library has served multiple functions during its existence - as the Emporia Public Library building and the home of the Lyon County History Center (LCHC). When LCHC moved to its current location on Commercial Street, Carnegie Library was used as storage until it was completely vacated in 2020.

Now, the Carnegie Library faces an uncertain future. The City of Emporia is accepting proposals for restoration or preservation projects until December 31. If no bidders come forward, the building could be mothballed, used for another city purpose, or possibly demolished,

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