William Allen White Library and Special Collections

Emporia State University
Corner of 12th Ave. and Merchant St.
(620) 341-5034 or 1-877-613-7323

The William Allen White Library serves the informational needs of the students and faculty of Emporia State University. It also houses the School of Library and Information Management.

The ground breaking for the library was in February 1950, and the building was formally dedicated in April of 1952. The four storied, red brick library now has space for over 600,000 volumes after a 1971 addition.

Several unique and special collections are found in the library. The William Allen White Collection contains books, manuscripts, correspondence, photographs, and other materials about White and The Emporia Gazette, as well as a desk he used while editor.

The Mary White Collection honors White's daughter who died at 16, and includes samples of her schoolwork, photographs, and personal belongings. The Mary White room in the library's basement houses the children's collection. Every year since 1952, the children of Kansas have chosen, by vote from a master list, a book to receive the William Allen White Children's Book Award. William Allen White Library has always been the home of the award, and all of the nominated and winning books are on display. Library tours are given by appointment, and there is no admission charge.