1872 -- First circulating library in Kenosha was opened in the Unitarian Church which was established by Zalmon Simmons and Reverend Henry Simmons.

1895 -- Committee of citizens met to plan a public library. First library association is formed.

1896 -- The library, housed in a room above the First National Bank and leased by Zalmon Simmons for $5.00 per month, was opened to the public. On the first day 60 books were checked out and 60 cards issued. Clara Barnes was the first librarian.

1899 -- Zalmon Simmons announced that he would offer to construct a library building in Central Park if it will be named in honor of his late son, Gilbert. Zalmon also paid for the building of the soldier's monument that today stands in Library Park.

1900 -- The Gilbert M. Simmons Library and the soldier's monument were dedicated on May 30. Construc­tion of the library cost $150,000 and a patron named Cyril Kupfer checked out the first book in July.

 

1904 -- First library "stations'" opened around town but were discontinued due to lack of patronage.

 

1907 -- The Woman's Club room, which was the lecture room in the basement of Simmons library, was transformed into a children's library.

 

1910 -- Zalmon Simmons died on February 11.

 

1911 -- Alterations are made to Simmons library lower level. Also in this year, Cora Frantz became the 2nd Head Librarian.

 

1916 -- Reading room opened at Bain School Social Center.

 

1923 -- Three branch libraries are built and equipped on the grounds of the junior high schools to serve the communities and the schools.

 

1925 -- The West Branch library, currently the Uptown library, is built to better accommodate the expanding Westside. Construction costs total $50,000 and there are 6,000 books in the collection on opening day.

 

1929 -- Children's room at Simmons library moves to the Unitarian church and was named the Boys and Girls library.

 

1946 -- Dorothy Huth became the 3rd Head Librarian.

 

1954 -- Booktrailer service to schools began on June 30.

 

1960 -- Second booktrailer was added in September of this year.

 

1960-1962 -- The public libraries in junior high schools and in Bain Elementary were changed to a school operation.

 

1962 -- Washington Branch opened July 9 at 3817 22^nd Avenue.

 

1963 -- George Earley became the 4th Library Director.

 

1968 -- Booktrailer No. 1 service discontinued in June.

1974 -- The Gilbert M. Simmons library was dedicated as a Wisconsin Registered Landmark on July 7.

 

1977 -- New Washington Branch opened November 18 in shopping center at 2053 22^nd Avenue.

 

1977 -- Ginnie Cooper became the 5th Library Director.

 

1978 -- Name changed to Kenosha Public Library.

 

1981 -- Southwest Branch opened to the public on January 16 at 7979 38^th Avenue.

 

1981 -- After remodeling, the Simmons library was opened on February 11. The second story floor of glass was removed as well as all the anchored two-story stacks from the west wing.

 

1981 -- Louise Pittman became the 6th Library Director.

 

1986 -- Current "RIG" bookmobile, a customized Great Dane semi-trailer, was purchased for $39,880 and service expanded into the county.

 

1986 -- Current director Douglas Baker became the 7th Library Director.

 

1991 -- The computerized card catalog (OPAC) went online in December.

 

1993 -- Northside Branch was dedicated on June 6 and opened on June 7 at 1500 27^th Avenue. Construction costs including furnishings were $2,510,000.

 

1999 -- 623,297 people visited Kenosha Public Library branches and the Bookmobile.  324,000 items in library collections. 1,041,546 items were checked out at all locations.  104,018 customer information inquiries are answered.

 

2000 -- 100th Birthday of the Simmons Library

 

 

2004 -- New bus vehicle hits the road.

 

2005 -- Hannah C. Stocker Children's Room openes in the lower level of Simmons library.