More About Alford Branch Library
The Lionel D. Alford Regional Branch Library first opened its doors on April 5, 2003. The branch was dedicated in memory of Lionel D. Alford (1925-2000) for his community vision, involvement and for his outstanding service to the citizens of the community.
Mr. Alford, a retired senior vice president at Boeing, was credited for leading Boeing Wichita's transformation during the 1980s from the brink of closure into the state's largest private employer and key facility to the Boeing Company's worldwide operation. Mr. Alford also chaired the Wichita/Sedgwick County Partnership for Growth, started the Kansas Food Bank, and led the campaign for the Wichita Public Schools bond issue in 2000. The building's design, from the distinctive wing-shaped roof to its support beams, was inspired by Mr. Alford's background in the aircraft industry. The children's area is named in honor of Richard Rademacher (1937-2020), Wichita's Director of Libraries from 1976-2000. The American Institute of Architects-Wichita honored the building with a Merit Award for Excellence in Architecture.
After being partially closed through five months of remodeling, the branch reopened on June 7, 2025 with fresh paint, carpet, and lighting as well as several redesigned spaces, including the addition of a number of collaboration and study rooms.
Collaboration and Study Rooms
- One collaboration room with seating for 12 (wireless screencasting and videoconferencing capable)
- Four collaboration rooms with seating for 10 (HDMI presentation capable)
- Two study rooms (seating for three or four people; no equipment)
- Collaboration rooms are reserved on a first come, first-served basis beginning a week prior to reservation date
- One two-hour reservation per person per day
- Book a collaboration room
Computers
- 9 general use public computers
- 2 Early Literacy stations
Drive-up Window
- Return items without leaving your car
- Pick up your hold requests
Faxing
- Outgoing only
- Local or long distance within the United States
Meeting Room
Mobile Printing
Vending Machines
Wi-Fi
- Log in using your library card number and password
