Frontenac, Kansas, Opens First Public Library After 140 Years

After operating for over 140 years without one, Frontenac, Kansas, a community of approximately 3,000 residents, has opened its first public library.

The Frontenac Public Library, which opened in November 2025, was made possible by a $4.6 million bequest from the Tavella family trust. This significant project involved overcoming a state legislative obstacle and establishing a new community resource from its inception.

The Tavella Family Bequest

In 2019, city administrator John Zafuta received notification that Frontenac had been designated as the sole beneficiary of the Tavella family trust. Richard and Jeanette Tavella, who were originally from Frontenac before relocating to Kansas City, bequeathed $4.6 million from their estate specifically for the construction of the town's inaugural public library. Jeanette Tavella had worked as a librarian.

Details about the donors were initially limited. Research conducted by library director Seth Nutt, involving personal belongings and contact with an acquaintance of the couple, revealed additional information, including that the Tavellas are buried near the library site. Nutt has indicated a commitment to honoring their legacy, citing their reported vision for community participation and volunteer opportunities.

Overcoming Legislative Hurdles

The library project encountered a legal challenge in the form of a state statute that limited the amount of money cities could receive for libraries. During the coronavirus pandemic, City Administrator Zafuta testified before a state legislative committee to address this regulation. The committee subsequently voted unanimously to overturn the rule, allowing the project to proceed.

Establishing the Library

Five years after the initial discovery of the donation, the Frontenac Public Library opened its doors in November 2025. City Clerk Jayme Mjelde noted the significant undertaking involved in establishing a library from its beginning, as well as the project's subsequent progress.

Seth Nutt, a local teacher and historian, was appointed as the library's director. His stated aim was to establish a central community space. The library currently houses a collection of over 17,000 titles and offers a variety of programs, including:

• Story time for children
• Cooking classes, including for teenagers
• Adult book clubs

Beyond its core library services, the facility also features the McKay Street Coffeehouse and the Heritage Hall Museum. The Heritage Hall Museum is the first museum dedicated exclusively to Frontenac's history and is also overseen by Nutt.

Community members, including fire lieutenant Justin Ziesenis and eighth-grader Rylinn Girth-Barnow, have commented on the library's presence within the community. Reported impacts include increased community engagement and student reading participation. The library team anticipates continued growth and influence on future generations.