History :
At the turn of the 20th century, the library movement began to make itself felt in this western region. Hays women began to realize the need for a cultural center where people could gather, read, and learn. A literary organization begun in 1895, the Saturday Afternoon Club, established a reading room in 1899 as a civic project. Each member contributed $1 annually for its support, as well as furniture, books, and magazines.
This facility was so well received that the Saturday Afternoon Club Library Association was formed in June 1899. A library was established and opened Oct 6, 1900. It was housed in an upstairs room above a store located at what is now 12th and Main. Each user was charged $1 a year. Many citizens gave money and materials to the project. Entertainments were given such as oyster suppers, dramatics, lectures, dances, and musical programs to raise money for the ever-increasing requirements of the library.
Use and greater needs of the community resulted in the SAC turning the library over to the City of Hays in 1904. It was to be known as the Hays Free Public Library. The one stipulation was that one half the members of the Library Board should be from the SAC. The Ellis County Commissioners granted the use of the lot on the east side of the Courthouse Square for a building site.
