From the Lawrence Daily Journal-World for Aug. 23, 1972:

Several members of the Lawrence City Commission and the Lawrence Public Library Board had been treated to a sneak preview of the new library at Seventh and Vermont yesterday afternoon. The visitors investigated “every nook and cranny, peered through half-filled bookshelves and admired the view of the panoramic windows” on eve of the opening of the new library today. Barbara Crews, an eight-year member of the library board, echoed the sentiments of many when she exclaimed, “I think this is the fulfillment of a big dream that a lot of people have had.” “I’m pleased with the whole layout,” city manager Buford Watson said, “and certainly the decor is quite beautiful.” The group were impressed with all of the areas, particularly admiring the library board’s conference room, which was equipped with the original furniture from the old library, where it had probably stood since 1904. The old oak table and graceful chairs had been refinished and the original leather seats retained. Mayor John Emick yesterday thanked the people of Lawrence for their generosity in providing a library for everybody’s use.