Frank Carlson Library
🏢 Central Kansas Library System · Concordia, Kansas
Frank Carlson Library
The Frank Carlson Library at 702 Broadway in Concordia serves the Cloud County seat and is named in honor of Frank Carlson (1893–1987), a Concordia native who served as Kansas Governor (1947–1950) and U.S. Senator (1950–1969). The library is a member of the Central Kansas Library System and offers extended evening hours on Mondays and Tuesdays, making it one of the most accessible public libraries in north-central Kansas.
🕑 Library Hours
| Monday | 9am–7pm |
| Tuesday | 9am–7pm |
| Wednesday | 9am–5pm |
| Thursday | 9am–5pm |
| Friday | 9am–5pm |
| Saturday | 9am–1pm |
| Sunday | Closed |
Hours may vary on holidays; check the library site before visiting.
📍 Location, Contact & Directions
Address: 702 Broadway, Concordia, KS 66901
Phone: (785) 243-2250
Website: fcarlsonlib.org
Plus Code: 86F4H8CR+47 (Concordia, KS)
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📖 About Frank Carlson Library
The Frank Carlson Library is the public library of Concordia, Kansas, the seat of Cloud County, located in the rolling plains of north-central Kansas. It bears the name of one of Concordia's most distinguished sons: Frank Carlson was born in Concordia in 1893, served five terms in the U.S. House of Representatives, was elected Governor of Kansas in 1947, and then served as a U.S. Senator from 1950 until his retirement in 1969 — a career marked by his close friendship with President Dwight D. Eisenhower. The library belongs to the Central Kansas Library System (CKLS), which supports 17 counties across the region with courier, cataloging, and technology services. Through CKLS, patrons access the Pathfinder shared catalog, statewide Libby eBooks via the Kansas Library eCard, Comics Plus, and interlibrary loan. The library hosts a Silent Book Club and other community programs.
⭐ What makes this library special
- Named for Frank Carlson (1893–1987) of Concordia — Kansas Governor 1947–1950 and U.S. Senator 1950–1969, a close ally of President Eisenhower
- Member of the Central Kansas Library System (CKLS), serving 17 counties across north-central Kansas
- Extended evening hours on Monday and Tuesday until 7 p.m. — later than most rural Kansas libraries
- Comics Plus digital comics collection available free through CKLS membership
- Hosts a monthly Silent Book Club with community refreshments and open reading time
📱 Digital Resources — Free with Your Library Card
Concordia cardholders can access these digital resources free through CKLS and the Kansas State Library:
📚 Services
- Book, DVD & audiobook checkout via the Pathfinder/CKLS shared catalog
- Interlibrary loan through the Central Kansas Library System courier network
- Public computers, printing & Wi-Fi
- Meeting space for community events
- Rotating collection delivery from CKLS
🎸 Programs
- Silent Book Club (monthly — refreshments at 4:45 p.m., reading at 5 p.m.)
- Children's story programs
- Summer reading program
- Reader's advisory and book recommendations
📍 Nearby Libraries in North-Central Kansas
Distances are approximate straight-line miles from this library.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Frank Carlson, and why is the library named after him?
Frank Carlson (1893–1987) was a Concordia native and one of Kansas's most distinguished political figures. He served five terms in the U.S. House of Representatives, was elected Governor of Kansas in 1947, and then served as U.S. Senator from 1950 to 1969. He was known for his close personal friendship with President Dwight D. Eisenhower. Naming the Concordia public library in his honor recognizes his deep roots in Cloud County.
What are the Frank Carlson Library's hours?
The library is open Monday and Tuesday 9:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., Wednesday through Friday 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., and Saturday 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. It is closed on Sundays. The extended evening hours on Monday and Tuesday make it easy to visit after work or school.
What is the Central Kansas Library System, and how does it benefit Concordia patrons?
The Central Kansas Library System (CKLS) is a regional cooperative based in Great Bend that supports libraries across 17 counties in central Kansas. Membership gives Frank Carlson Library patrons access to the shared Pathfinder catalog, a courier service for interlibrary loans, technology support, and programs like digital Comics Plus — all at no extra charge to cardholders.
Can I get a Kansas Library eCard to access digital resources?
Yes. Any Kansas resident can get a free Kansas Library eCard from the State Library of Kansas at kslib.info. The eCard unlocks statewide databases, Libby eBooks and audiobooks, and other digital resources, complementing the physical collection at the Frank Carlson Library.
🖨 This library offers printing, copying & fax. See how library printing, copying, scanning and fax services work — costs and mobile printing — and find other libraries that offer them printing & fax by state.
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✓ Hours & details last verified from official sources in September 2026.