It seems to me that the “Recycle, Reduce, Reuse” mantra really took off in the 1990s.
Having grown up in the ‘90s, I was fully submerged in the emerging green culture. I watched “Captain Planet” on Saturday mornings and helped my third-grade class raise money to purchase an acre of rainforest.
We always recycled at home and to this day, it makes me cringe when I see someone toss a metal can or plastic bottle in the garbage. As an adult, I purchase most of my clothing secondhand, use both sides of printer paper and try to avoid food waste as much as possible. I don’t consider myself a “green activist” or even an enthusiast; I think being green is just something that comes naturally to millennials.
During the month of April, the whole library is banding together to provide programming on the theme of “Recycle, Reuse, Re-love.” Programs will vary across departments and will touch on a variety of subjects related to recycling and conservation.
For example, the adult department will be running a program called “Re-Love Your Leftovers” on April 18th at 11 AM in the gallery, the young adult department will be turning old books into planters on April 23rd at 3:30 in the Trish Davies Room, and the children’s department will be taking a look at worm composting on April 29th at 4 PM. The Kansas Room is also getting in on the action with two programs that fit into April’s theme.
On April 23rd at 6 PM in the Schmidt Gallery there will be a presentation called “The Nature Conservancy’s Smokey Valley Ranch.” This program will be delivered by the ranch’s project manager, Matt Bain, who happens to be my brother-in-law. The Smokey Valley Ranch is nearly 17,000 acres and is located in Logan County, KS. This ranch is a shortgrass prairie preserve and is home to countless, native flora and fauna. The history of the ranch, from its extensive fossil record to its location along the Smokey Hill Trail, is both unique and remarkable. Whether you’re a naturalist or a history buff, don’t miss this opportunity to learn about one of Western Kansas’ hidden gems!
On April 25th at 11 AM in the Schmidt Gallery, I’ll be running a program on propagating houseplants. Many mature, foliage houseplants can be “recycled” by having cuttings taken and replanted. It’s surprisingly easy to start your own plants just by using a single leaf or stem from a “mother” plant. In this program you’ll learn about the different ways to propagate houseplants, the plants that are most successfully grown from cuttings, and you’ll also have the opportunity to start your own houseplants! This program is free and open to everyone.
April 12th through the 18th is National Library Week. To celebrate our library and to thank our patrons for their loyalty, I’ll be hosting a “cake social” in the gallery on April 17th from 2-4 PM. Stop by the gallery for your piece of cake! Throughout the week, patrons will also have the opportunity to tell us why they love the library. Make sure you drop in to show your support of the library!
There will be a Red Cross Express blood drive at the library on April 7th from 1:30 to 5 PM. You can make an appointment by stopping by the library or by calling 625-9014. Walk-ins will also be welcome.
Finally, the next meeting of the Hays Genealogy Group will be held on April 18th at 10 AM in the Kansas Room. All family history enthusiasts are encouraged to attend.
Have a great month and a wonderful Easter!
The Kansas Room is located in the basement of the Hays Public Library and is open from 9 AM to 4 PM Tuesday through Saturday, and by request.
Lucia Bain is Kansas Room Librarian at the Hays Public Library.