By KARI BLURTON
Hays Post

It’s a “love letter to the community of Hays,” said Lucia Bain, Kansas Room Librarian at Hays Public Library, as she described the upcoming premiere of the film “Turning Points: The Art of Change.”

Hays Public Library was one of four Kansas communities awarded a grant by the Kansas Humanities Council in 2013 to produce a film about a “significant turning point” in the community.

Library staff chose the formation of the Hays Arts Council in 1967 as the community’s topic.

Bain has been heavily involved in the writing, production and editing of the film. Out of all four movies, she said Hays’ story is the most inspirational.

“We were actually the first arts council in the state. We began being formed even before there was a state arts commission, and we have persevered and grown with all of the changes over all of the decades,” Bain said. “No matter what the funding situation, the arts council always perseveres and thrives, so I think that’s really due to the people of Hays not only giving monetary support to the arts but coming out and supporting all manner of events.

“This film is for the people of Hays more than anyone.”

Turning Point films from Ulysses, Kinsley and Olathe will also be presented Friday, followed by a community discussion.

The free premiere is scheduled for Friday evening from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at Fort Hays State University’s Robbins Center, One Tiger Place,

Contact Bain to make reservation or receive more information at (785) 625-9014 or visit the HPL website HERE.