Rockwell Branch Library

 
Service Update (July 25, 2025)

The Rockwell Branch Library is closed for remodeling. The transformed Rockwell Branch is anticipated to reopen in Fall 2025.

The nearby Angelou Branch has temporarily expanded hours of operation through August 17.

Learn about the Rockwell remodeling project

Rockwell Branch Library

  • 5939 E. 9th St. N.
    Wichita, KS 67208
Wichita Transit

Hours

Closed during remodeling

More About Rockwell Branch Library

Wichita's modern branch library system began in 1954 when the Oliver Square branch opened in a strip mall at Central & Oliver. By 1957, the branch's popularity allowed it to expand into more of the strip mall. By March 1969, according to head librarian Ford Rockwell, parking at Oliver Square had become inadequate and there wasn't enough space inside the building, either.

In the early 1970s, discussions for relocating the branch began. Three sites were considered in the area between Edgemoor to Woodlawn and Central to Murdock, but for different reasons, none were selected. In 1974, the Library Board and Park Board agreed that two acres on the northeast corner of Edgemoor Park would be used for a new library building.

The Ford Rockwell Branch Library opened on Monday, March 29, 1976. This branch was originally planned to be called the Edgemoor Park Branch. About a week before it opened, the Library Board of Directors voted to name the branch in honor of Ford Aldrich Rockwell (1907-1997), Wichita's head librarian from 1948-76. The Barbara Rockwell Children's Room inside the branch is named in honor of Mr. Rockwell's first wife, former children's librarian Barbara Hosmer Rockwell (1914-1971).

An illustration of the building and parking lot, which shows the entrance and drive-up window
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Wichita Transit bus icon

Nearest Wichita Transit Route

Route #25: Textron at Beech, Minneha Elem., E Central, Wesley Med Center, Towne East Mall

Stop at Central and Edgemoor, walk north on Edgemoor, then turn east on 9th.


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