The story of the Leawood Pioneer Library is rooted in the rapid growth experienced by Johnson County. As the area between State Line Road and Metcalf, south of I-435, developed significantly, the Johnson County Library facilities plan of 1979 identified a clear need for a library branch to serve this burgeoning community. This foresight laid the groundwork for what would become a vital resource for Leawood residents.
In the early 1990s, a pivotal moment arrived when The Marned Corporation, the developers behind Town Center Plaza, generously donated land to the Johnson County Library. This donation was instrumental in bringing the Leawood Pioneer Library to fruition. The location was strategically advantageous, offering high visibility from the street and proximity to Town Center Plaza, a popular shopping and dining destination. Furthermore, its location just a few blocks from Sprint’s national headquarters, then the largest employer in Johnson County, underscored its potential to serve a large population.
Designs for this new Johnson County library branch were finalized by mid-1992, and construction commenced in 1993. Anticipation built as the community watched the library take shape. Finally, on May 23rd, 1994, the Leawood Pioneer Library officially opened its doors, welcoming patrons for the first time. A formal dedication ceremony followed on June 18th, marking the official inauguration of this important community hub. The name “Leawood Pioneer Library” was chosen to honor both the city of Leawood and the historical significance of the area. From the 1820s to 1870s, pioneer trails to Oregon, Santa Fe, and California intersected nearby, leaving an indelible mark on the region’s identity. The initial library building encompassed 11,800 square feet and provided a collection of approximately 31,000 items for public use.
Rapid Growth and Increasing Demand at Leawood Pioneer
From its inception, the Leawood Pioneer Library quickly became a bustling center of activity. In 1995, its first full year of operation, the library circulated materials an impressive 406,001 times, demonstrating the community’s enthusiastic embrace of its new library. Over the years, the library’s collection expanded significantly, growing from the initial 31,000 items to over 77,000. Responding to the increasing digital needs of its patrons, the library also added more public access computers.
However, this popularity also led to overcrowding. The meeting room, initially intended for community events, was repurposed to accommodate the growing need for general library space. Finding seating and workspace became increasingly challenging, highlighting the library’s success and the growing demand for its services.
Expansion and Modernization of the Johnson County Library Branch
Recognizing the library’s vital role and anticipating future needs, the original Leawood Pioneer Library structure was designed with expansion in mind. Plans to enlarge the facility were underway as early as the late 1990s. By 2006, planning and funding for an approximately 8,000 square foot expansion gained momentum.
In September 2008, the library closed its doors to facilitate the renovation and expansion project. To ensure continued service to the community, a temporary library location was established in the Town Center Mall, conveniently located across the street. After a little over a year of construction and renovation, the fully transformed Leawood Pioneer Library reopened on October 1st, 2009. The expanded and modernized library now boasted 19,012 square feet, offering significantly more space and enhanced facilities. A grand reopening and ribbon-cutting ceremony on October 17th formally celebrated the library’s exciting new chapter.
Leawood Pioneer Library: A Thriving Community Hub Today
The Leawood Pioneer branch of the Johnson County Library system has continued to be a vibrant and heavily used community resource. From 2014 to 2018, annual circulation figures averaged around 450,000 items, a testament to the library’s extensive collection and its popularity with residents. During the same period, the library welcomed an average of 240,000 visitors each year. These statistics are particularly impressive considering the library’s service area population was approximately 37,000 as of 2015.
Key Statistics (2018):
- Visitors: 232,562
- Items Circulated: 453,472
- Square Footage: 19,012
The Leawood Pioneer Library stands as a successful example of community planning and investment. From its carefully considered location to its expansion to meet growing needs, this Johnson County Library branch continues to serve as a crucial informational, cultural, and community hub for Leawood and surrounding areas.
