Hannah C. Stocker Children's Room



Simmons Library Children's Room Renovation
2004-2005

The Simmons Library, at 711 59^th Place in Library Park, was the first permanent location of the Kenosha Public Library. It was donated by Zalmon Simmons to honor his son, Gilbert. Architect Daniel Judson Burnham, designer of the World's Columbian Exposition (Chicago, 1893), designed the 9,000 square foot, neoclassical revival building, which features Ionic columns and a central stained glass dome. The Simmons Library opened Memorial Day, 1900. A 1901 Librarian's Report to the Board of Directors of the Simmons Library noted that the library possessed "4,578 books on July 1, 1900."

From 1907 - 1929, the basement room served as the Children's Room.
In 1929, the library outgrew the basement location and acquired the Unitarian Church building on 8^th Avenue, which became known as the Boys and Girls Library. It housed the central children's collection until 1981, when Southwest Library opened.

From 1929-1981 the room was used as a staff workroom. From 1981-2004 the basement room was used as a meeting room.

In 2003, the Kenosha Public Library Foundation received money from the estate of the late Hannah C. Stocker to improve library services for elementary age children. The Foundation granted $45,000 of this bequest to the Library for the Simmons Library Children's Room Project.

About $30,000 of this grant funded a new ceiling, new lighting, and new plaster and paint. The remaining $15,000 of the grant purchased shelving and furniture. The Library also installed new carpeting.

In November 2004, the drop ceiling was removed and walls were patched in preparation for painting. In the photo, the old lighting is still in place.

In December 2004, the new ceiling was put in and the exposed pipes and walls were painted.
New oak chairs were purchased to compliment the antique look and feel of the room.

In January 2005, new lighting and carpet was installed in the Children's Room.
After the carpeting, the shelves and tables were moved into the room.

Next, staff members packed the children's materials, moved them down to the Children's Room, and unpacked them.

Bookshelves from the original Children's Room were returned to service.

Posters were added to create interesting displays.

Computer stations are a new addition.

Today, the Hannah C. Stocker Children's Room includes computer workstations, child-sized chairs and tables, and an enlarged collection of materials for children from birth through Grade 5.

Simmons Library Children's Room Highlights: Nearly 11,000 books Approximately 1,000 audio visual titles 2 Gates Foundation computer workstations Seating for 24 children and adults

Once again, a special place is dedicated for our youngest patrons, with storytimes and children's programming returning to the Children's Room at Simmons Library.

Come Visit the Hannah C. Stocker Children's Room!