Julesburg Public Library
Location: Julesburg
County: Sedgwick County
Date Constructed: 1937
Built by: WPA
Architectural Description:
Architectural Description: This flat-roof, Moderne-influenced building has an irregular floorplan consisting of rectangular blocks. The building is constructed of cinderblock covered with stucco, and sits on a raised concrete foundation featuring glass block basement windows.
Historical Background:
Historical Background: The library was originally conceived and applied for as a PWA project. However, either it was not approved or the local sponsor, the town of Julesburg, decided to proceed with it as a WPA project. Records show the federal allocation was $9737 and the local contribution $3978. “Unemployed farm hands, day laborers and ex-railroad workers formed the bulk of the crew” that built the library. The manufacturing of cinder block brick to be used in the construction of the library was a separate WPA project, as was landscaping the grounds. In addition to the local library, the building has additional space for recreational and community activities, including a museum in the basement. During the latter part of the 1930s, it also housed the local women’s WPA sewing project, which was making overalls.