History
Johnston Public Library is housed in a historic building originally constructed in 1872 for use as the Cherokee County Courthouse. Although it never convened as a courthouse, the basement jail was used until a courthouse was constructed in Columbus, Kansas. Later, the building was used as a city hall, junior college, and an interim church. Touring theater companies also held performances on the second floor. In 1905, Peter Nils Johnston made a bequest of $5,000 to the city for the establishment of a city library. In 1907, the library opened its doors. The first collection of books was donated by local citizens.
Today, the library strives to meet the cultural, intellectual, and social needs of the community and surrounding area by providing access to quality materials, services, and programming. The library is a member of the Southeast Kansas Library System and is governed by a seven member board of trustees. It operates on income from a mill levy and grants from the regional and state libraries.
Board of Directors
![Tiffany Graves](https://johnstonpubliclibrarybsks.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/Code-Of-Conduct-Icon.png)
Tiffany Graves
President
![Vicki O'Neal](https://johnstonpubliclibrarybsks.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/Code-Of-Conduct-Icon.png)
Vicki O'Neal
Vice President
![Linda Johnson](https://johnstonpubliclibrarybsks.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/Code-Of-Conduct-Icon.png)
Linda Johnson
Secretary
![Kimberly Maute](https://johnstonpubliclibrarybsks.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/Code-Of-Conduct-Icon.png)
Kimberly Maute
Treasurer
![Kayleen French](https://johnstonpubliclibrarybsks.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/Code-Of-Conduct-Icon.png)
Kayleen French
Member
![Galeyon Morton](https://johnstonpubliclibrarybsks.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/Code-Of-Conduct-Icon.png)
Galeyon Morton
Member
![Mary Hixon](https://johnstonpubliclibrarybsks.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/Code-Of-Conduct-Icon.png)
Mary Hixon
Member
Staff
![Andrea Bresee](https://johnstonpubliclibrarybsks.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/Code-Of-Conduct-Icon.png)
Andrea Bresee
Library Director
![](https://johnstonpubliclibrarybsks.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/Code-Of-Conduct-Icon.png)
Assistant Library Director
![Linda Fitzpatrick](https://johnstonpubliclibrarybsks.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/Code-Of-Conduct-Icon.png)
Linda Fitzpatrick
Circulation Clerk
Johnston Public Library
210 West 10th
Baxter Springs, KS 66713
► Library Hours
Mon: 9:00 - 6:00
Tue - Fri: 9:00 - 5:00
Sat: 9:00 - 12:00