Wichita County Library
🏢 Southwest Kansas Library System (SWKLS) · Leoti, Kansas
Wichita County Library
The Wichita County Library at 208 South Fourth Street in Leoti has been the community's reading and information hub since its current building opened in 1958 — before that, library services operated out of the county courthouse. Serving one of the most sparsely populated counties on the High Plains, it offers free Wi-Fi available 24 hours a day, public computers, and Dolly Parton's Imagination Library sign-ups for children from birth to age 5.
🕑 Library Hours
| Monday | 9am–6:30pm |
| Tuesday | 9am–5:30pm |
| Wednesday | 10am–5:30pm |
| Thursday | 10am–5:30pm |
| Friday | 10am–5:30pm |
| Saturday | 9am–12pm |
| Sunday | Closed |
Hours may vary on holidays; check the library site before visiting.
📍 Location, Contact & Directions
Address: 208 South Fourth, Leoti, KS 67861
Phone: (620) 375-4322
Website: wichitacountylibrary.org
Plus Code: 85CWFJHR+RM (Leoti, KS)
📱 Scan for directions
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👋 Use the Library Online
📖 About Wichita County Library
The Wichita County Library serves the residents of Wichita County, Kansas — a vast High Plains county covering 719 square miles with a population of roughly 2,100 centered on the county seat of Leoti. Public library services originally operated from the county courthouse before the community built a permanent standalone facility at 208 South Fourth Street in 1958. A member of the Southwest Kansas Library System (SWKLS), the library provides interlibrary loan access to a much broader collection than any single small library could maintain, and its catalog is shared through the SWKLS BookSys system. The library participates in the Kansas State Library eCard program, giving residents access to the state's digital databases and resources. Community engagement runs deep: the 2026 Summer Library Program drew a record 34 children, and Dolly Parton's Imagination Library mails a free book monthly to every enrolled child in the county from birth to age five.
⭐ What makes this library special
- Permanent building opened in 1958, replacing original courthouse-based library services in Leoti
- Member of Southwest Kansas Library System (SWKLS) with interlibrary loan access to a regional catalog
- Free outdoor book drop and 24-hour Wi-Fi access outside the building
- Dolly Parton's Imagination Library: free monthly books for Wichita County children ages birth to 5
- Summer Library Program and Thursday Story Time for children
📱 Digital Resources — Free with Your Library Card
Wichita County cardholders have access to digital resources through the Kansas State Library:
📚 Services
- Three public computers and free in-library internet access
- Free outdoor Wi-Fi available 24 hours a day
- Fax, copier (black & white and color), and lamination
- Outside book drop for after-hours returns
- Interlibrary loan through Southwest Kansas Library System
- AWE Early Literacy Station — digital learning computer for children
- Cake pans, audiobooks, DVDs & magazine checkout
- Dolly Parton's Imagination Library enrollment for Wichita County children
🎸 Programs
- Thursday Story Time at 10:30 am for young children
- Annual Summer Library Program with prizes and community sponsors
- Adult summer reading with gift card prizes
- Community donation and collection programs
📍 Nearby Libraries in Western Kansas
Distances are approximate straight-line miles from this library.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Where was the Wichita County Library before the current building?
Before the current standalone building opened in 1958, the Wichita County Library operated out of the county courthouse in Leoti. The 1958 building at 208 South Fourth Street was the community's first purpose-built public library facility.
What is the Southwest Kansas Library System and how does it help Wichita County patrons?
The Southwest Kansas Library System (SWKLS) is a regional library cooperative that connects smaller public libraries in western Kansas. Membership gives Wichita County Library patrons access to a shared catalog and interlibrary loan — meaning staff can request books, DVDs, or other items from partner libraries across the region if the local collection doesn't have what you need.
How does my child sign up for Dolly Parton's Imagination Library?
Any child in Wichita County from birth through age 5 can enroll in Dolly Parton's Imagination Library, which mails one free age-appropriate book per month directly to your home. Pick up a paper sign-up form at the library or register online at imaginationlibrary.com.
Does the library have Wi-Fi outside of regular hours?
Yes. The Wichita County Library provides free wireless internet that is available 24 hours a day — even when the building is closed — so residents can connect from the parking area at any time.
🖨 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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