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).

Rockwell received a minor remodel in 2012, which replaced the customer service desk and surrounding carpet. In 2024-25, Rockwell experienced a major remodeling and expansion project, which increased the building's square footage by 67 percent. The project brought new lighting, flooring, furniture, and art, and highlighted the building's iconic fireplace. It expanded the large meeting room and added a number of features including small meeting spaces, a teen area, family restroom, and drive-up window.