Pleasanton Lincoln Library

Since the recent Council/Community work day, our nation’s flags have been on my mind a lot. I agreed to lead a group of students and hang new flags on Main Street. As we worked, I shared procedures about the flag to them. I reminded them to handle the flags carefully, prevent them from touching the ground and said we must properly dispose of damaged flags. They followed instructions carefully, and we accomplished our task for all to see. We are proud to display one of these flags at the library. While working at a library as a youth, I learned to properly fold an American flag. But I didn’t know the story behind Flag Day. I thought you might enjoy the brief history that follows. Join us in honoring our nation’s flag by flying one at your home or place of business this Friday.

Each year on June 14, we celebrate the birthday of the Stars and Stripes, which came into being on June 14, 1777. At that time, the Second Continental Congress authorized a new flag to symbolize the new Nation, the United States of America.

The Stars and Stripes first flew in a Flag Day celebration in Hartford, Connecticut in 1861, during the first summer of the Civil War. The first national observance of Flag Day occurred June 14, 1877, the centennial of the original flag resolution.

By the mid 1890s the observance of Flag Day on June 14 was a popular event. Mayors and governors began to issue proclamations in their jurisdictions to celebrate this event.
In the years to follow, public sentiment for a national Flag Day observance greatly intensified. Numerous patriotic societies and veterans groups became identified with the Flag Day movement. Since their main objective was to stimulate patriotism among the young, schools were the first to become involved in flag activities.

In 1916 President Woodrow Wilson issued a proclamation calling for a nationwide observance of Flag Day on June 14. It was not until 1949 that Congress made this day a permanent observance by resolving “That the 14th day of June of each year is hereby designated as Flag Day.” The measure was signed into law by President Harry Truman.

Although Flag Day is not celebrated as a Federal holiday, Americans everywhere continue to honor the history and heritage it represents.

http://publications.usa.gov/epublications/ourflag/flagday.htm

Registrations are coming in for those who wish to participate in the Read Kansas Read program this summer. If you wish to be a part of this exciting opportunity, but didn’t see the Reading Log in your school backpack, we have forms available at the library. Southeast Kansas students in the following categories: Grades 1-4, Grades 5-8, Grades 9-12 are eligible. Children can record the minutes they read beginning Saturday, June 1 through Monday, August 5, and must submit their records by Monday, August 12. Those participating will be entered in a random drawing for a $25 gift certificate. The top seven readers in each age group will be presented a signed certificate at the Kansas Book Festival on Saturday, September 7 at the Kansas State Capitol in Topeka.

Pleasanton Library also has a chance to win! The Kansas Book Festival will award one library a $500 grant for participating in Read Kansas Read (also determined by random drawing). Each child’s reading log will count as one entry for the library.

We’ll have lots of opportunities to read, and be read to, this summer. Beginning next week on Tuesday and Thursday mornings at 10 a.m., we’ll have Story Time for the little ones while the older brothers and sisters are busy in Summer School. Tuesday afternoons at 2 p.m., June 4 through July 16, we’ll have our Summer Reading Stories and Crafts. Our special guests, the Clement McCrae Puppet Co. will be at the library on Thursday, June 13 at 2:30 p.m. Then Wednesday, July 24 at 10 a.m., we’ll meet at the Mine Creek Historical Battlefield site for a tour and kite-flying adventure.

We’re not forgetting the adults, either. If you would like to participate in a brown bag Lunch Bunch event, we’ll gather in the library’s Beestro every Thursday at noon to read, relax and nibble whatever we bring to munch. Adult readers can log the books they read as well, and prizes are available for those who participate.

After a sleepless night of lightning flashes and counting until the thunder, I thought about how simple life was in my youth. We lived in hurricane country and were aware of inclement weather by listening to the 6 o’clock news. There were no warning sirens, no weather radios, personal computers or TV stations after midnight. If the power went off, it might be off several days. Mom filled our bathtub with water, as our pump was electric-powered. It could rain for days and winds roared and the noise nearly drove you crazy. Cleanup meant picking up dead palm branches while watching out for displaced snakes.

Life was simpler in general. You awoke at daylight and had fewer choices of what to wear to school. No shorts, jeans, slippers or pajamas in our classrooms. You might have a curly Toni perm, or roll your hair the night before and sleep on stiff brush rollers. If you had straight hair, it was because you had straight hair, or you flattened it with a clothes iron. You ate at the dining table. Cereal choices were Cheerios, Raisin Bran or Corn Flakes. Milk was delivered to the door and eggs came from a nearby egg farm. We were fortunate to have fresh-squeezed juice from orange trees in our back yard. Then we’d head to the bus stop for the long ride to school.

We returned home to watch our black-and-white TV before dinner. There were three channels and nothing the whole family couldn’t watch. We had favorite shows but had to take turns. We did homework listening to an AM radio, then watched a little more TV. My whole family read a lot, but we only had one book shelf with a few novels, a dictionary, the Bible and a set of Childcraft encyclopedias. We often visited the local library where we could choose from a large selection of books. There were no audio books, DVDs and no computers there. Cards were stamped by hand and filed until the book was returned. It was a privilege to use the library, so everyone brought books back on time.

On weekends, we’d ride bikes with our friends, or fish in a nearby pond. Our used bikes were repainted with enamel paint. We added old playing cards to the spokes with clothespins to give our bikes sound effects. We’d ride in the fog behind the mosquito spray truck because unknowing of the danger of DDT then. We’d come in for a lunch of plain peanut butter and grape jelly on white bread and wash it down with whole milk. We might have some potato chips with it. There was one flavor. We’d return outside to play until dinner, which consisted of a meat, mashed potatoes and a vegetable. We knew it was time for dinner when we heard Mom bang the potato masher on the pot to loosen the potatoes. Then we’d go to bed and sleep through the night, knowing we were safe.

The Board of Directors meetings are typically held on the third Wednesday of every month. The next meeting will be held Wednesday, June 19 at 5:00 p.m. in the library located at 752 Main St.

With just over three weeks until our Summer Reading Program begins, we’re gearing up for a great time! Our weekly stories and crafts will have a gardening focus, with a few surprise detours along the way. Summer Story Time will begin Tuesday, June 4 at 2 p.m. and run through July 23. Register your children now to receive reading records so they can begin reading June 1 and list the books they read. Parents or older siblings can read to younger children unable to read. Reading aloud is great practice at any age.

This year, we’re enlisting the assistance of local teens to help with our Summer Reading Program. Not only will they help with crafts for the little ones, but they can hone childcare skills by organizing the youngsters, and sharing their knowledge about our subjects. Of course, Miss Theresa will be there to read and “plant seeds of knowledge” about composting, planting, root systems, and gardening in general.

With the grant we received for early literacy books, we purchased many wonderful children’s books for little ones to enjoy this summer and in years to come. Early literacy skills are critical to success in school and can be developed at an early age using tools you can find at the library. Summer is a good time to explore ways to get your child off to a go start with reading. We’ll be gathering books and learning tools in totes that can be accessed whenever the library is open.

Our Little Free Library is now open and ready for all to use. It is NOT a drop box for Pleasanton Library books, though. Books with library bar codes must continue to be returned inside the library or through the drop box just to the left of our front doors. The Little Free Library was seeded by book donations, which are now available to the public. The motto of the Little Free Library system is “Take One, Leave One.” You are welcome to choose a book to read, return it or keep it if you like, and hopefully bring one for someone else to read.

To read more about the Little Free Library program, visit www.littlefreelibrary.org. Soon everyone will be able to locate our Little Free Library on the site by clicking on “More …” and then selecting “Get on the Map.” There is a link to a Google map where you can scroll through names of states (and countries) where the libraries are located. Currently in Kansas, there are libraries in Baxter Springs, Concordia, Great Bend, Hutchinson, Kansas City, Lawrence, Olathe, Overland Park, Prairie Village, Topeka and Wichita. When traveling you can even find them by GPS. If you click on each house on the map you will see a photo of the Little Free Library in that location.

Thanks again to all who made our Little Free Library possible!

This past week during the Pleasanton Chamber of Commerce meeting, Jerry Cantwell suggested we host an art show in Pleasanton. While the idea appealed to the group, it was felt that much preparation was involved. Since we have a number of other projects in the works, the consensus was to wait until next year. Such an event might be held in General Pleasanton Park after the new Community Center is completed. I agree much preparation is involved in providing an arts event, but I’m very glad to see we are considering one.

Having moved to the area from Springfield, Missouri, I can attest to the excitement and increased number of visitors such an event can bring to the area. Their Walnut St. Arts Fest, now in its 33rd year, draws thousands to its Spring event. It’s always held the first week in May, regardless of the weather. This past weekend proved to be particularly difficult for vendors, as they pitched their tents as an unseasonal snow fell on them. Temperatures were considerably colder than usual on Saturday, and crowds were very thin. Sunday proved to be a little better, with the sun peeking out a few times to warm everyone.

This is an event I’ve rarely missed, even after moving away. It’s a place you can see friends of all ages you haven’t seen for years. You can meet and talk with amazingly creative people and purchase beautiful items to grace your walls, or give as gifts. The variety of art is extensive and artists come from all over the country. I saw dyed and decorated sneakers, large photos printed on canvas, purses made from antique Japanese kimonos, children’s books and recycled jewelry, as well as more traditional art. There were all types of musicians, young dance troupes, and even comics on the stages interspersed between booths and local food vendors.

The festival has been held in three different locations in Springfield over the years. First, in the large yard next to the Springfield Art Museum, then in Phelps Grove Park under large, beautiful trees, and finally on a long East-West street in an historical district. The street is closed to vehicular traffic during the event, and entry points are set up at each end of the street. It takes hundreds of people to plan, set up, staff and tear down for the event. Weather is typically the biggest unknown factor, but other problems include health emergencies and dog fights. Somehow, it always comes together, and it’s all worth it.

It would take years to pull together an event such as this in Pleasanton, but would be possible on a smaller scale. If you would like to see such an event occur here in the future, have ideas or artists and musicians names to share, please contact me at the library and I’ll begin gathering comments. If we can dream it, we can do it.

If you’ve ever come by the Pleasanton Library after hours desperate for something to read, you’ll soon be in for a surprise. We’ve added a Little Free Library that’s open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

The idea to build one of these came while visiting Fayetteville, Arkansas last year. While walking in an historical neighborhood, I noticed a little wooden box on a metal fence post. I stopped to read the “Little Free Library” sign, photographed the box and filed the photo for future inspiration.

This March, an article in “American Profile” re-kindled that interest. I hoped for collaboration with Pleasanton High School’s Ag shop class, and talked with Darick Chapman while he visited the library with his wife and daughter. I told him about the project and showed him the web site where he could read more about the project.

Though his class typically works in metal, they pulled together recycled materials to create their own unique design. We added a post, bracket and plexiglas for the door. Darick’s students Austin More and Bradley Baker participated in the construction process. They forwarded the project to Julie Laver’s art class to decorate, thus adding another connection with the school. Art student Jacob Miller decorated the exterior in keeping with the rustic theme, painting it to resemble a barn.

Darick delivered the project last Wednesday, the first sunny day after several days of rain. On one of his regular visits, patron Richard Goucher immediately set out to install the project the same day. We’ve waited to “seed” the little library with books to be sure it is water-tight, and plan a mini ribbon cutting Saturday, during our Friends of the Library book, movie and bake sale.

The Little Free Libraries program began over a decade ago when a Wisconsin man, Todd Bol, decided to install a Little Free Library in his yard. His intent was to honor his mother, a former schoolteacher, and his library resembled a one-room schoolhouse. He collaborated with his friend, Rick Brooks, to establish a web site to promote the program. It offers plans to build libraries, then you can register to receive an official sign and number. Todd and Rick hoped to match the 2,509 libraries Andrew Carnegie sponsored, but the number of Little Free Libraries blossomed well beyond that. They are located around the world, in cities, small neighborhoods and rural areas with no public libraries.

The intention of the Little Free Library is to increase reading and neighborliness. Visitors are welcome to visit as often as they like to “Take a Book, Return a Book.” There is no charge and the box is open day and night. We ask that you respect this effort so it can be available for all. Please remember, this is not a drop box for library books. Our drop box is located on the exterior wall of the big library, to the left of the front doors.

We’ve certainly had April showers, and we’re beginning to have May flowers. Redbuds have followed Bradford pear trees in bloom, and the jonquils beat them both. It’s wonderful to see so much green and it was worth the wait.

It’s a great reminder our Summer Reading Program is about to bloom. We’ll begin our “Dig Into Reading” story time Tuesday, June 4 at 3 p.m. and continue weekly through July 23. We’ll focus on gardening for children, with stories about how things grow and crafts to take home. We’ve purchased books on gardening to complement those already in the library. Since healthy eating is on everyone’s minds these days, we’ll talk about growing vegetables.

There is no age limit, so you can bring a family of children to the library together. We appreciate the moms, dads, grandmothers and grandfathers who help with organization and crafts. Often, older children can help the younger ones, as in one-room schools.

In addition to children’s programming, we plan to install raised bed gardens in front of the library. Josh and Darren of Dreamscape Innovations are preparing building plans for us so we can get to work. We’re looking for materials made of recycled plastic that will resist decay and look good for years to come. We plan to have two levels in the beds. The taller ones will accommodate those in wheelchairs and the lower ones can be accessed by children. A bench seat will be installed on the edge of the lower bed, so gardeners and visitors can sit and enjoy the garden. We hope local teens and adults will join us in an effort to learn more about gardening, offer their expertise and help with construction and planting.

If you have materials, tools, seeds or good soil to offer, please contact us at the library. Tips about where to find these items are welcomed as well. We hope this will offer the community a way to learn more about gardening and how to beautify your yard or business.

Another new building project for the front of the library is well underway. It’s a Little Free Library and it will be installed soon. Darick Chapman and his PHS shop students designed and constructed the box that will hold books. It is being decorated by Julie Laver’s art class and will be unveiled soon.

The Little Free Library is a neighborhood book exchange, a place to meet, explore common interests and share the joy of reading. Initially, our Little Free Library will be stocked with donated books we’ve received at Pleasanton Library that we already have or cannot use. The public is welcome to visit the Little Free Library to choose a book, and may leave one for the next visitor. There are no deadlines to return these, and no fines if they are not returned. But we hope those who choose them will respect this effort and exchange them when they can.

“National Volunteer Week is about inspiring, recognizing and encouraging people to seek out imaginative ways to engage in their communities. It’s about demonstrating to the nation that by working together, we have the fortitude to meet our challenges and accomplish our goals.” (from HandsOn Network)

We are thankful for each of you who help maintain our important community resource, whether through donations of time, money or ideas! Last year held many challenges as well as successes. The latter wouldn’t have occurred without our volunteers. Especially during renovation and relocation, your service was critical.

The library’s Board of Trustees meet monthly to oversee administration of the library and make important decisions about tax revenue expenditures. Their mission statement is “… to serve the recreational needs of the people of Pleasanton and surrounding communities by providing books, media and other library services and function as a bridge to information and resources beyond the library.” They offer additional help with financial records, library tasks, ideas and connections for programming and donations. Current board trustees include: Co-chairs Sheilah Umphenour and Kenton Bell, Secretary Charline Klophenstein, Treasurer Tellea Cox, Bill Peterson, David Kader and Kathy Secrest. Former Board Trustee Frances Marshall was invaluable for her volunteer help with the library’s move to the new facility.

We’re proud to recognize Theresa Miller as a Friends of Kansas Libraries’ Individual Award winner for tireless service directing the renovation of our new library space, as well conducting Story Time over the past several years. Theresa’s 2012 Spring Bling fundraiser netted the new library nearly $1,500. She was assisted by Freddy and Rob Miller, Pat Shannon, Ashley and John Westermann and Dianna Smith.

Friends of Pleasanton Library recently elected new officers, but the organization was made possible with initial leadership of President Maxine Goucher, Secretary Bob Maxton, and Co-Treasurers Jennifer Marshall and Bonnie Linderman. These members, with the addition of Pat Jones, Mary Kay Smith and Sharon Cunningham, made possible the 2012 Open House. Our successful bake sale and car wash was arranged and staffed by Richard and Maxine Goucher, David and Kristie Kader, Nick Sessuede, Andrea Jones, Bob Maxton, Bonnie Linderman and A.J. Snow. General Pleasanton Days sales of popcorn and water were conducted by Richard and Maxine Goucher, Tellea Cox, Bob Maxton, Kristie Kader, Linda Black and Crystal George. Our Council/Community Work Day water station was staffed by Bonnie Linderman, Penny Ross and Bob Maxton. New Friends’ President Niki Schoor promises to be a fine addition to the organization.

We’d also like to recognize donors for their generous support: Robin Baker, Kenton Bell and Mary Lynn Sylvester, Allene Campbell, Casey’s Convenience Stores, City of Pleasanton, Sierenna and Stephen Coursen, LTC James Dick, Dollar General Stores, Clarence and Janet Easley, Ola May Earnest, Farmer’s State Bank, Flower Boutique, Doug and Becky Grant, Merisa Kennedy, Labette Bank, Linn County News, MaryBarbara McKay, Brenda Mitchell, Joe Summers, Colleen and Marion Troth, Sheilah, Denise and Gary Umphenour.

Since the donation of a beautiful display case donated by Denise and Gary Umphenour several months ago, we have displayed a Santa Collection, creche scenes (nativity), a snowman collection and books by authors with March birthdays. We are grateful to Denise and Gary for such a wonderful donation, and promise to utilize it fully to showcase our collections for the delight of our visitors.

The website, www.holidayinsights.com, provides us with an array of other ideas with which to create interesting displays in the library. That’s where Frances learned the month of April contains, but is not limited to, National Humor Month, National Poetry Month, National Stress Awareness Month, and National Library Week. We pulled together books related to these special celebrations. You can find them in the display case, located near the reading area at the front of the library. Though the books reside behind a glass door, we welcome you to check out any of them.

Another find on that website is National Librarian Day, always held on April 16. This year it falls on Tuesday. The website tells us, “National Librarian Day celebrates and honors librarians. They are among the most knowledgeable people you know. When you visit your cavernous library in search of a particular book, or a specific research topic, they always quickly point you in the right direction. And, they do so with a smile.

Experts of the Dewey Decimal System, your Librarian aids and assists you in identifying and retrieving a myriad of books, periodicals, and reference material. Librarians hold a wealth of knowledge in their heads. Got a subject you are researching? Chances are, the Librarian will point you right to the book you need.

Celebrate the day by sending a card to your librarian. Visit the library today, and make certain to say hello and ‘Thank you’ to all of the librarians.”

I don’t know if all of the above is true, but we do like to believe we are able to help you, even if we have to do additional research to provide you with answers. We love a challenge, just like those income tax folks on recent television commercials. Whether it’s a word you aren’t sure how to spell, a movie you can’t remember the name of, or a book you’d like to read, we’ll be happy to give it a shot. So, don’t wait until next Tuesday to come in and see us. We’re open Monday, Wednesday and Friday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Tuesday and Thursday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturday 10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.