About Us

Neodesha’s first public library was founded in February, 1912, by a group of Neodesha women. It was located in a two-room frame building originally erected for the Neodesha Register in 1896 at 113 North Eighth Street.

In October, 1912, the city permitted the Library Association to move to a room above City Hall at 102-1/2 South Fourth Street. Women volunteers acted as librarian serving one week at a time until the Association could afford to pay a librarian. “Book Showers” and “Teas” were given to help pay the expenses of furnishing the room and to provide reading material. Donations were also accepted.

In May, 1914, the City became the owner and operator of the library so that a tax could be levied to support it. The City Commissioners appointed the Mayor and eight women were selected from the Library Association to the Board of Directors. Among those chosed was Mrs. W.A. (Ida) Rankin, who served on the board in various capacities until her resignation on December 5, 1955. She served for 41 years.

When Mrs. Rankin died in 1962 she left the bulk of her estate to be used for the building and support of a modern library in Neodesha with the condition that the funds be matched in part by the city.

The present library building and furnishings were financed from three sources; Mrs. Rankin’s estate, the City of Neodesha and the U.S. Department of Health, Education and Welfare. Ground was first broken in 1965 and the building was dedicated on August 14, 1966, as the W.A. Rankin Memorial Library.

Ground was broken in March, 1999, for the Conference Room addition. The addition was ready for use in January, 2000, allowing the Children’s Department to move into the old conference room and new carpet laid throughout both buildings.

Library Board Members

All members of the Friends of the Library are welcome to come to the board meetings the first Wednesday of every month at 6:30 p.m. at W. A. Rankin Memorial Library.

Hannah Wright

President

Hannah is in her first year of her 2nd four-year term serving on the Board. A familiar face in the community from her position as the North Lawn Elementary School Principal. Her hometown may be Independence, but she’s called Neodesha home for the last 11 years.

Janie Steele

Vice President

A Neodesha Native and resident for the last 64 years. Janie is in the 3rd year of her 2nd four-year term serving on the board.

Treva Scott

Secretary

A Neodesha Native, Treva is in her 3rd year of her first term on the board.

Stacy Jensen

Treasurer

A familiar face and Neodesha native, Stacy is in the 3rd year of her 2nd four-year term serving on the board.

Wanda Haynes

Member

Wanda is in the 3rd year of her First four-year term serving on the board.

Patty Bailey

Member

A friendly and familiar face in the community, Pattie has been in Neodesha for many years. She is serving on her last year of her 1st four-year term.

Lewis Scott

Member

Lewis is the newest member on the board. He’s been in Neodesha since 2007. This is his first year of his first term.

Marilyn Seller

Member

Marilyn has been here her whole life. She has 2 children, 5 grandchildren and 3 great grand children. This is her first year of her 1st four-year term.

Jeanne Sexton

Member

This is Jeanne’s first year of her first term as well.

Library Staff

Mary Meckley

Library Director

Originally from Pennsylvania, Mary and her Husband moved here in 1987. She started working at W.A. Rankin Library as a Library Clerk in 1998. In 2005 she took over as Library Director and has held the position for the last 17 years. She announced her retirement for the end of March 2023.

Rita Banta

Library Assistant Director

A Neodesha Native, Rita started working at the library on March 1, 2000. She started off as the Children’s Director. In 2005 she was promoted to the Assistant Director position, which she has held for the last 17 years. Rita currently plans to retire in November 2023.