Pleasanton Lincoln Library

While we’re still in the renovation stage of envisioning a new library, you can help us get there by letting us know what you’d like to see once we move. All the standards will be there … there will be a children’s area for Easy books, chapter books and Junior books. Story Time will continue on Thursday afternoons at 4:30 am. If there is enough interest for a Tuesday morning Story Time, we’ll do that as well. There will be a separate area for teens to call their own, and adults will be across the room where they can read, relax and use the public computers. You can still order books through Interlibrary loan and pick them up at a central circulation desk. There’s a location for New Arrivals, including books, audio books and DVDs. A public notice space will include tax forms, postings and print publications you can view or take with you. We’ll have lots of comfy seating if you want to stay a while and read newspapers or magazines. We’ll even have the Beestro, where you can sit down with a soft drink and snack, visit with friends or use your laptop. Eventually, we’ll have a separate room that individuals or organizations can use for meetings.

But what else would you like to see in the library? Our teen advisory board from several years ago helped us design the current teen area at 904 Main St. and even the adults like to peruse the books there. It’s a sunny, cheerful space where they can do homework, use their laptops or just sit and read a book or bring in their e-readers.

During General Pleasanton Day, we’ve queried attendees about what they’d like to see in their library, what is important to have in the library and how they currently use the library. We’d like to know what you think, as well. Would you like to see programs on how to write resumes, job interviewing skills or financial planning? Would you like to have a book club, meet with a craft group, or see movies? Would you like to help raise funds for the library by helping with book sales? We now have a Friends of Kansas Libraries organization that you can join to do the latter. The annual dues are only $5.00 a year for an adult and $1.00 a year for children.

The library is a community center and should offer the activities in which you’d like to participate and contain the materials you’d like to use or borrow. Are there some books you’d like to read or movies you’d like to see? We’re always open to suggestions of what to provide the community. We want this to be Your library, so let us know how we can make it the best it can be.

You can come by 904 Main to let us know what you think, e-mail us at pleaslinlib@ckt.net, call 352-8554, or post a comment on our Facebook page: Pleasanton Lincoln Library. We look forward to hearing from you!

We haven’t fallen off the face of the map. There’s a For Sale sign attached to the rail outside the library at 904 Main, but we’re not closed nor have we moved yet. We’re just searching for a new owner while we renovate 752 Main.

In July, one of our library trustees suggested we research the purchase Brown’s Farm Supply. During this stage we intended to keep our interest in the building under wraps … difficult to do in a small town! After careful consideration and some negotiation, we purchased the former VFW building from the Browns. Marsha Brown was excited the building would be used for something cool like a library. We’re excited too, as it gives us a chance to gain much-needed space.

We closed on the sale Oct. 6 and began the process of conversion from a store to a library. After initial roof repairs, we considered how to add additional space within the exterior walls. The dividing wall between the main room and storeroom was moved east 12 feet, adding even more space for shelves and furniture. Next, ceiling tiles were removed to increase overhead visual space. We’ll mix a paint additive to the ceiling paint to increase its energy efficiency and lifespan. The same additive is used on military bases and many building projects overseas.

Drywall was discovered behind the panelling, saving us the time to wash, prime and paint the panelling. Wall extensions were built to meet the raised ceiling, creating is a larger looking room. Most of the walls and the ceiling will be painted, but others will be wallpapered, adding diversity to the décor. This is being done not so much to beautify the space, but to save money. With little budget for renovation, we’ve had to be very clever about shopping for supplies and furniture. We’re well-known at Habitat ReStores, thrift stores and flea markets in the area. With the guidance of decorator Theresa Miller, we’ll take leftovers and cast-offs and turn them into functional and beautiful items.

Our storeroom is now packed with cabinetry and furniture we’ve gleaned from materials contractors donated, and gently used furniture we’ll clean and recover. With creativity and elbow grease, the final result will become what we’ve called, “The most eclectic library in Kansas.” When most libraries renovate or build a new library, they hire a contractor and start from scratch. But we love a challenge, so we’re out to show off our skills rather than raise taxes.

Visitors to our current library ask when we plan to move. Many of these kind souls volunteer to help with the renovation or the move. Theresa notes their contact information and will coordinate their efforts. After hip replacement surgery in late November, her efforts have slowed. But construction work continues at the library and progress is being made. Stayed tuned for updates and check “before” and “after” photos by searching for Pleasanton Lincoln Library on our Facebook page.

All summer, children participated in the library’s One World, Many Stories summer reading program by reading books selected from our children’s book collection. During Tuesday morning or Thursday afternoon Story Times they learned about life in other countries through stories, languages, songs and experiences shared by volunteers familiar with other lands. Craft-making also helped them learn more about those countries.

Those registered to participate in the program have logged books they read (or have had read to them) and practiced skills for the coming school year. This allowed them to win gift cards toward book purchases and prizes. We congratulate those who have reached all three levels of their goals! At the end of the program, they will receive a certificate of completion and a gift card. They can pick these up at the library after Sept. 5.

The final activity of the summer will be a party for participating youngsters. If your child registered for the Summer Reading Program, they are eligible to join the fun Tuesday, August 30 at 10:30 a.m. at Labette Bank, 911 Main St., Pleasanton. Attendees will be treated to “stories” by three local residents. “From the soil” describes the occupation and passion of Rita Embry of Mound City who will talk to the children about vermiculture, the raising of worms to assist in enriching earth. She’ll even have a surprise for the kids to take home. The kids will learn more about the ground beneath their feet and enjoy a dessert relating to our theme.

“To the skies” covers Pleasanton’s own Clarence Easley who will tell attendees about life above land through his adventures as a pilot. We’ll make paper airplanes and enjoy an airplane snack (corn muffins). Our final special guest will join us outdoors in the bank’s grassy lot to show off his roping skills. Will Read of Mound City will demonstrate how to make his rope reach “to the skies” and show the kids how they can do that too. He’ll bring a video of the iconic Will Rogers, for whom he was named, so attendees can watch the Oklahoma-born cowboy’s aerial skills. In his honor, we’ll enjoy some cowboy stew.

Many people have helped make this summer’s reading program exciting and enjoyable. They include our Tuesday Story Time reader Theresa Miller, as well as our Thursday readers Caroline Copenhaver and Caitlin Snow, and young helpers Jennifer Ewing and Madison Shreckhise. Our special guests included: Tellea Cox and Savannah Smith (Germany), Rebecca Sombatchareun and Pat Trask (China), Rebecca Sombatchareun and Tara Winkler (Mexico), Shirley LeVota (Japan), Mary Gunn (trees from around the world), Jeff Mastin (France), Thad Beach (“Chicken Joe Combs the World” entertainer) and Jackie Borgeson (Martin and Osa Johnson Safari Museum).

Snacks and prizes have been graciously provided by Pat Jones and Shirley LeVota (Rice Krispie “sushi”), Rebecca Sombatchareun (lettuce wraps and dipping sauces), Mary Kay Smith (mini apple pies and corn muffins), Steve Ellis of Labette Bank (Dean’s Pub-n-Grub pizza), Paul Myers of Linn County Insurance (Cookee’s ice cream coupons), and Casey’s (ice pop coupons). A special thank you to our able assistant Savannah Reynolds who was ready to tackle every detail. We thank each and everys one of you for your time and efforts that make this program successful and helps children maintain their reading skills through the summer!

Tuesday morning Story Time has been temporarily discontinued. Most of our younger visitors have graduated to pre-school and we’re very excited for them. But, Thursday afternoon Story Time continues at 4:30 p.m. and we’d love to have your children join us.

The Board of Directors meetings are typically held on the third Wednesday of every month at 5:00 p.m. The next meeting will be held Wednesday, February 15 at 5 p.m..

For some time, the library has accepted donations of used books. The new library policy has a specific section addressing donations. It can be read below in its entirety. If you are interested in donating to the library and still have questions after reading this, please call 325-8554 and we’ll do our best to answer them. While the policy doesn’t specify the condition of books that might be donated, library staff appreciates receiving books that are in good condition, that have not been damaged by smoke, moisture or food. If donations are not able to be shelved, they are stored in the library and available to the public during occasional sales. We typically hold two large sales per year, but may begin holding smaller, more specific sales such as Mystery Mondays and Fiction Fridays. Watch this column, our website and flyers posted around town for future sales.

“Pleasanton Lincoln Library (PLL) budgets for the permanent acquisition of materials including but not limited to periodicals, books, audio and visual recordings, and electronic media. In addition, PLL subscribes to SEK-n-Find, participates in the revolving selections sent by the Southeast Kansas Library System (SEKLS) and to the use of WorldCat Loan materials for temporary use by PLL patrons.

PLL is grateful for the generosity of persons who make gifts to the library which allow the library to stretch its resources and make available items which might not otherwise be available to patrons. Gifts of books and other materials are accepted with the understanding that items may or may not be added to the library’s permanent collection for any reason determined by the Librarian. Those items not added to the library’s collection may be disposed of through the library book sale or other means.

Monetary gifts will used for the purpose specified by the donor. If no specification is made, the Librarian will determine how the money will best be used to benefit the library and will seek the approval of the Board of Directors for such usage.

Receipt of monetary gifts over $25 will be given to the donor for tax purposes. No appraisals will be made for non-monetary gifts, but on request, the library will provide a statement for tax purposes describing the gift.

PLL reserves the right to decline monetary or non-monetary gifts if inappropriate or unneeded by the library.”

Staff and board members of the Pleasanton Lincoln Library work hard to provide the area with the best library possible. While cautious about spending, we attempt to add the latest books and movies, maintain an aging building and provide positive experiences for visitors.

When the former library building burned in the late 1990s, the city relocated the library to its current location at 904 Main. Originally a livery, the building has been occupied by a number of businesses, including a vehicle maintenance shop, a car dealership, and offices. When the library moved in, Atmos Energy occupied the back two-thirds of the building. The street side of the building was renovated to accommodate book shelves, a few computers and a small meeting room. As the number of materials grew, the tall book shelves filled to capacity and many boxes of unprocessed books were stored in the attic.

Those boxes have cycled through the system since then, but donations arrive weekly and space again an issue. Accepting, reviewing and processing donations is a time-consuming job. But it allows customers a chance to give the books a new home and help the library through occasional book sales. We offer them to the public for very modest prices, and once a year we hold a “Buck-A-Bag” sale for paperback books. As you might guess, it’s a popular sale!

Our book and movie collection isn’t the only thing growing. We’ve doubled the number of public computers, added a Quiet Zone for reading, relaxing and using laptops in a noise-free area. We’ve converted the meeting room to a teen zone and we’re renovating the former Atmos offices to house an employee lunchroom and storage space. The current lunchroom will become a library cafe to accommodate a food and beverage zone, thus protecting valuable computers, books and movies.

Improvements we’ve made have been inexpensive. We’ve cleaned and painted walls, moved shelves and reconfigured furniture. The results have brightened the library, making it more cheerful and comfortable. What’s next? We don’t have money to complete a major renovation – knocking down walls and redesigning the back portion of the library. But we continue to monitor spending and tuck away a few dollars here and there for the future. We welcome donations and raise funds through book sales and grants, but realize the current economy has affected us all. We continue to rely on volunteers for help with activities.

In spite of space and budget constraints, we’re passionate about providing residents of Linn County with the best possible library we can. Not just having a beautiful building, but friendly service, quality activities for children and genuine concern for our customers. The future will be here tomorrow and we want to plan improvements to make Pleasanton proud. Perhaps you have ideas about what makes a great library? Share your thoughts with us so we can improve this important resource for your community. Call, e-mail or visit us soon. Tell us what you like or dislike about the library and how we can make it even better.

Pleasanton Lincoln Library’s Board of Trustees recently adopted a revised policy that affects library customers. It won’t be necessary for everyone to read every page of the document, but it’s available for review at the library. Portions will also be placed on our website. Customers will receive a small card with highlights when they check out materials on their next visit. New signs will also be posted with critical information so customers will know what changes have been made. Staff will also remind customers of changes.

Here are some of the highlights:

A library card will be required for checkout of all materials. There is no charge for an initial card; but $1 will be charged for each replacement card. Minors ages 5 to 17 may receive a card if their parent or legal guardian is present at time of application and is in good standing with library. Customers are responsible for all materials checked out on their card and the cards of children for whom they have signed applications.
Customers can maintain full library privileges by: returning materials on or before the due date, paying fines for past due materials, and paying for lost or damaged materials. Privileges may be blocked and an account deemed delinquent if materials are overdue 30 days or more or more than $10 in fees or fines are owed.
Customers will be notified within one day after material checked out is overdue. If books are not returned, a fine of 10¢ a day per book will accrue until they are returned. Movie fines are $1 a day per movie. Staff will attempt to contact customers no less than two times within 30 days past due date. Any material not returned within 30 days of due date will be considered lost and the customer’s account charged.
Books may be borrowed for two weeks and renewed twice, unless requested by another customer. Requesting customer has one week after being notified to check out item.
Children under 7 may not be left unattended in the library unless attending a library program applicable to their age group and they must be picked up immediately after the program.
Disruptive customers will be asked to discontinue such behavior and can be asked to leave if that behavior continues.
Only drinks in spill-proof containers may be consumed in library, except at computers. Food is not allowed in any part of library except the Bistro.
Staff is not responsible for supervision of minors who explore the Internet, and other customers are not allowed to interfere with other customers, minor or adult, in using the Internet.
Customers 8 years of age and older may use internet-accessible computers. Children under 7 may not use internet-accessible computers without ACTIVE adult supervision.
These rules are intended to maintain a safe, friendly facility all can enjoy. Visit us soon to receive a new library card and hear about other exciting changes coming soon.