Pleasanton Lincoln Library

Pleasanton Library’s Open House Sat., April 21 gave attendees a glimpse of what the new library would look like. Seventy-five people attended the event which began outside at noon with a Chamber of Commerce Ribbon Cutting. Many Chamber members and all the library’s board members attended, joined by Kansas House Representative Caryn Tyson, Southeast Kansas Regional Library System Regional Director Roger Carswell and SEKLS Library Consultant Kim Rutter. The event was sponsored by our Friends of Pleasanton Library members, led by Chair Maxine Goucher, photographed by Treasurer Jennifer Marshall with guests attended by Teen Liaison Savannah Reynolds. Guests enjoyed a celebratory cake donated by Robin Baker of Baker’s Thriftway, as well as treats from Mary Kay Smith and Brenda Mitchell. Pat Jones mixed up a tasty punch using a recipe from Linda Black with floating lemon and orange slices, served by Sharon Cunningham. The library was brightly colored with balloons and other supplies donated by Dollar General Stores and Casey’s Convenience Stores.

Throughout the afternoon attendees entered drawings for door prizes of books and a lovely floral centerpiece donated by The Flower Boutique. We were able to enjoy another Flower Boutique arrangement sent by SEKLS. Mound City Library also sent a lovely plant to commemorate our new space. The children’s area was graced with a beautiful sunflower quilt lent to us by Mary Grosshart, which we were thrilled to display.

Mine Creek Battlefield Historic Site Superintendent Adrian Zink told the audience about himself and his plans for the battlefield before introducing our special guest author Andrea Warren. She shared the stories behind each of the children’s history books she’s written and gave listeners a preview of the book she’s currently writing about the Border Wars. Warren donated several of her books as door prizes and Zink added one from the battlefield. Warren’s visit was underwritten by Farmer’s State Bank and LTC James Dick.

Afterward, James Beltz entertained us with his accordion as young library patron Alexus Shafer joined him to keep the beat. As the event wound down, our many volunteers breathed a contented sigh of relief. The move has been difficult, but made easier with help from many people. Employee Bonnie Linderman and Library Trustee Frances Marshall worked above and beyond to pack over 10,000 materials, joined later by employee Bob Thomas to re-shelve them. Our remaining construction crew hurried to complete projects before the event, which took place in the middle of our move! Kudos to Theresa Miller, Damien Yarbrough, Bob Maxton, Trace Snyder and Juanita Dillon for making the library look so lovely. Last, but not least, thank you again to Mary Lynn and Kenton Bell for their generosity in sharing remnants of the past by gifting us with materials that give the library its historical flare. Many of these items came from the estate of Howard Tripp, which we gratefully accepted in his memory.

Thank you to all who help us carry on the tradition of a great community library!

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