It’s been a while since my last article. Reason being that my son, who was supposed to arrive around Easter, decided to show up in February instead. Peter Riley Bain was born on Feb. 23 – 4 pounds and 4 ounces, 18 inches long and eight weeks premature.
I was out of the library through March and April, but returned to work on May 1 with a slightly different work schedule. I’ll be working Tuesday to Saturday instead of Monday to Friday. Peter is now 8 pounds and just as healthy as he can be.
While it’s hard for me to leave my newborn each morning and I hurry home each afternoon, I am genuinely happy to back at work. It’s great to see my patrons, answer research questions and get back into the swing of things. I’m also excited to be developing my summer programming.
May 17 is the 60th anniversary of Brown vs. Board of Education. This famous case which made racially segregated schools unconstitutional was filed in Topeka by 13 parents representing twenty students. To commemorate this anniversary, I’ll be showing the documentary “With All Deliberate Speed,” which was made 10 years ago on the 50th anniversary of Brown v. Board. Free coffee and donuts will be provided.
Due to the overwhelming success of my Kansas movie nights last summer, I’ve decided to add a new film to the docket: the 1955 classic Picnic. This movie stars Kim Novak and William Holden and depicts twenty-four hours in the life of a fictional rural Kansas town. I’ll be showing this film on Thursday, May 29 at 6 p.m. in the Schmidt Gallery. There will be free popcorn, movie theatre candy and pop. If you enjoy classic films, summer themes and free concessions — then these movie nights are for you! Look for screenings of “Paper Moon” and “The Wizard of Oz” later this summer.
This summer will also mark the return of the photo scavenger hunt. Beginning June 1, you can go to the library’s website or pick up a clue sheet at the front desk for this summer’s Hays photo scavenger hunt. Clues will lead you to ten locations throughout Hays. Have your picture snapped at each location and submit them to me via email or in person and you will be entered to win a prize. This scavenger hunt is a great way to spend a summer afternoon and really explore your own backyard.
Speaking of appreciating Hays, I am excited to announce a new series of programs called “Kansas Room Staycations.” Over the summer, I’ll be leading several day trips to nearby locations with historical attractions or festivals. The first “staycation” will be right here in Hays on Saturday, May 24.
Participants will meet at the library at 9 9 a.m., and we’ll be visiting both Old Fort Hays and Blue Sky Miniature Horse Farm. The library will provide transportation and admission for both tours. Please call (785) 625-9014 or email [email protected] to reserve your spot as spaces are limited. Later this summer we’ll be heading to a Lavender Festival, Greensburg, Abilene and Hutchinson – so keep your eyes and ears open for the announcements!
Don’t hesitate to drop by the Kansas Room with any local or state history questions or if you’d just like to say hello. Remember we have a library subscription to Ancestry.com that is available for FREE in the Kansas Room if you’d like to jumpstart a family tree project.
The Kansas Room is located in the basement of the Hays Public Library and is open from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday, and by request.
Lucia Bain is Kansas Room librarian at the Hays Public Library.