There’s no telling what kind of weather we’re going to get from day to day (sometimes even minute to minute). So here’s a basic Weather Advisory Overview to keep in mind…
If the weather is severe enough for Nemaha Central Schools to be dismissed early, the library will close at 5:00 that day. We will also post on Facebook, KNZA radio station and WIBW TV if we close or open late due to weather. School closures for extreme weather do not guarantee the library will be closed, though we do reserve the option to open late if necessary. If city administrative offices are closed for weather, the library will also be closed.
Regarding sudden severe weather such as tornado watches or warnings, and severe thunderstorm watches or warnings, please be aware that Seneca Free Library is NOT a designated storm shelter for the city. If emergency sirens sound, the library will lock the doors and escort any patrons currently inside the building to the basement. Patrons not wanting to remain in the library during the storm event are free to leave at their own discretion, but will not be able to get back inside once the doors are closed.
It’s always best to check before heading out. Call us at 785-336-2377
ANNOUNCEMENT (August 1, 2025): Fire up the skillet and get those serving dishes ready! Cooking with Kids returns Thursday, August 7, from 1:30 PM to 3:00 PM! Deb’s whipping up some tasty plans for this last session before school starts!
Call 785-336-2377 or drop in at the circulation desk to register your little chef. Cooking with Kids is open to youth ages 9-12 and requires a signed waiver/authorization on file at the circulation desk. For liability reasons, only direct parent or guardian registration is permitted. Openings are first come first serve and limited to 6 participants due to educational and safety needs. We look forward to seeing our cooking crew on the 7th!
REPORT (July 24, 2025) Our Cooking with Kids crew came back to make a summer classic this session: Strawberry shortcake with fresh cut strawberries and homemade whipped topping. The kids hit this one out of the ball park, with fluffy whipped cream, perfectly proportioned strawberries, and a light and flavorful cake worth its weight in oven-baked gold. This lucky librarian got to sample this seasonal favorite and it hit all the right notes of nostalgia and simple pleasures. Awesome job Cooking Crew! Special thanks to Librarian Deb Haverkamp for making this session possible!
REPORT (May 22, 2025) Cooking with Kids went back to basics in true Midwest fashion with breaded cube steaks and mashed potatoes and gravy from scratch! The kids got a chance to see the difference between using a non-stick pan vs a seasoned cast-iron skillet. They also learned the importance of keeping your whisk moving while blending to avoid lumpy gravy! Just a few more classic staples added to the Cooking Crew’s repertoire. Great job chefs and a special thanks to Deb Haverkamp for bringing these educational opportunities to our younger patrons!
REPORT (May 15, 2025) Getting ready for the summer season means planning for picnics, potlucks, and family reunions. It also means meals on the fly, which makes the May 15 Cooking with Kids session a perfect combo. Deb and the Cooking Crew made two variations of tuna salad, which the kids enjoyed well enough once they were done but had some very definite thoughts about when they started opening the tuna cans. They also learned to make traditional potato salad, or as we called it with today’s egg prices, a literal pot of gold. These summer classics were a smashing success! Great job Cooking Crew and a big thanks to Deb Haverkamp for making this session possible!
REPORT (April 24, 2025) The Easter Bunny was surely impressed with the white cake masterpiece from April 17, but the library was sadly still missed by his basket delivery over the weekend! So Deb and the Cooking with Kids crew took their tactics to the next level and baked a double layer carrot cake this week! That’s right: double layer, from scratch, cream cheese frosting, and yes, kids, there really are carrots in carrot cake. Fortunately the carrots were an easy sell – our cooking kids love cutting up vegetables more than anything! And of course, once they saw what they had created, there wasn’t any hesitation left. Veggies in baked goods may sound weird, but there’s no denying the yummy results! Great job Kids Crew! And a very special thanks to our facilitator, Deb Haverkamp, for making this program such a fun and educational event each session!
Seneca Free Library is an ongoing partner with Nemaha County Food Pantry and in August our Food Pantry Focus is “High Need Items!” Straight from the volunteers’ mouths, the items most needed right now are deodorant, toothpaste, and toothbrushes. Juice supplies are also severely lacking right now. You can drop off Unopened and Unexpired items or any number of other food and hygiene items right here at the library during our regular business hours: M-Th 9:00 AM – 7:00 PM, Fri 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM, Sat 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM.
This is a service we offer the community. The Food Pantry is staffed by volunteers and is open one day a week. Rather than having to remember what day and hours they are open, you can drop your donations by the library and we will deliver them for you! We highlight different items to donate each month just to offer some direction and promote awareness. When everything is needed on a regular basis, it can be helpful to have some guidance.
If you have large donations it is best to deliver them directly to the food pantry. We can help facilitate a drop off time if needed. Call us during regular business hours at 785-336-2377.
Some Important Points to Note:
* The Food Pantry is closed the second Wednesday of every month.
* Paper goods and personal hygiene products are also always needed!
* Opened and outdated products are NOT accepted at the Pantry.
Each Family receives the following items Once a Month.
1 breakfast item
4 cans of vegetables
1 can of beans
1 package of rice
1 pasta and sauce
1 jar of peanut butter
1 box of crackers
2 cans of fruit
1 can of tuna or chicken
2 cans of soup
1 dessert
1 pound of meat.
While we highlight different donation items each month here at the library, the following items are ALWAYS NEEDED:
Paper products [toilet paper, paper towels, Kleenex]
personal products [feminine hygiene, sanitary wipes, etc.]
boxed cereals
oatmeal
pancake mix and pancake syrup
canned vegetables
rice
pasta and pasta sauce
peanut butter
boxed crackers
canned fruit
canned tuna
canned chicken
boxed tuna and chicken helper
canned soups
jello and pudding mixes
cookies
cake mixes and frosting
pie mix
and more!
They also accept laundry detergent, dish soap, shampoo, and bath soap.
These super sharp-looking backpacks contain one pair of adult binoculars, one pair of youth binoculars and assorted field guides: The Moon: A Folding Pocket Guide to the Moon, its Surface Features, Phases and Eclipses; Kansas Butterflies & Pollinators: A Folding Pocket Guide to Familiar Species; Kansas Birds: A Folding Pocket Guide to Familiar Species; Kansas Trees & Wildflowers; and Kansas Wildlife: A Folding Pocket Guide to Familiar Species.
The Adventure Backpacks are available to Seneca Free Library patrons only and are obtained on a first come, first serve basis. They are checked out on a one week loan period and will accrue late fees if kept longer than the allotted time.
We look forward to checking these Adventure Backpacks out and hearing about the adventures our friends and patrons have exploring with them!
The American Legion Auxiliary (Unit 21-Seneca) is collecting the following items: cell phones (all smartphones and iPhones or flip phones), phone chargers and USB cords, iPads and non-Apple Tablets or eReaders, iPods and MP3 Players.
ALA will ship these items to Big Sky Recycling who will then donate the items to U.S. soldiers through Operation Shoebox or recycle the items that are broken or too far out-dated to be used. By donating your old cell phones and tablets you will help provide phones and phone cards through care packages to our troops deployed overseas and returning home.
Items for donation may be dropped off at the Seneca Free Library (606 Main St, Seneca, KS), The American Legion (Basement, 812 Main St, Seneca, KS), or Sts Peter and Paul Mission Center (409 Amador St, Seneca, KS). For more information or questions about specific items for donation, email alaseneca21@gmail.com
What NOT to Donate!
x Original Boxes or Instruction Manuals for phones. x Computers, Laptops, or Computer Parts x Landline Phones x Printers or Ink Cartridges x Cable Boxes x Damaged Batteries for any devices.
What About Data Security?
Before donating any electronic device, it is advised that you first save any important content (photos, contacts, etc) and then perform a factory reset to erase all data. If you are unable to power on or perform the reset, rest assured Big Sky Recycling ensures data destruction on all recycled cell phones and devices.
Dungeons and Dragons is an interactive storytelling game in which a group of players collaborate with a lead storyteller (referred to as the Game or Dungeon Master) to navigate and explore the world, people, creatures, and scenarios that they encounter during the game.
Our line-up for August continues with one-shots to offer more exploration time for character options and less pressure on our teen group as they head back to school and get re-acclimated to things like schedules and routines. Pre-registration is not “required,” but it is appreciated to help the facilitator prepare effectively. Call 785-336-2377 or drop in at the circulation desk to sign up or get more information.
We still have folks who have expressed interest but have been unable to participate in our programming. We haven’t forgotten you! We also recognize that as time goes on and more people hear about this program we may gather more interest in additional programming. Our two intro programs “Basic Intro to D&D” and “Character Building 101” are still available and ready to be rescheduled. If you wanted to attend and couldn’t (or just want to do it again), let us know at the circulation desk by calling 785-336-2377, talking to Chad directly, or emailing Librarian@senecafreelibrary.org. A “DM Boot Camp” is also being planned and will be scheduled once our current crop of new players has some more table experience and a steady interest in learning the other side of the table is expressed.
LIBRARY D&D in JUNE 2025
ONE-SHOT GAME (TEEN)
Wednesday, August 20
3:30 P – 6:30 P
ONE-SHOT GAME (ADULT)
Friday, August 22
5:00 P – 8:00 P
PROGRAM DESCRIPTIONS:
In August: One-Shot Game (Teen/Adult): A game experience with a clear start and end to a short storyline designed to be completed in a single gaming session (usually 2-3 hours). Premade characters will be available to choose from or characters made in our Character Building 101 session may be used. This program had enough interest to divide into Teen and Adult groups as indicated in the schedule. Dice will be available to borrow, or you may bring your own! (Just be sure to have a full 7 piece polyhedral set: d20, d12, d%, d10, D8, D6, D4.)
Available Programs for Future Events: Basic Intro to D&D: This program is designed for beginning players or those who have been away from the table for a while and just want a refresher course. Find out what Dungeons and Dragons is (and what it isn’t), how it’s played, and what you need to join or start your own game. Simplified premade characters will be provided to participate in a quick play demonstration. (Due to scheduling constraints, this will be a mixed Teens and Adults Group.)
Character Building 101: This is a basic introduction to character building using the D&D 2024 rules set. We will cover Ability Scores and the three primary methods of generating them, Skills and Proficiencies and how to use them, Classes, Species (formerly Races), and, most importantly, how to go from a character idea to a game-ready character sheet. This session will end in participants having a pen-and-paper 1st level character sheet that will be usable in future library events and most standard D&D groups. (Due to scheduling constraints, this will be a mixed Teens and Adults Group.)
Campaign Play (Teen/Adult Groups): A game style that follows the same group of player characters as they adventure through an on-going story (or multiple story arcs) across multiple play sessions. This game style is less ideal for those just getting started or who are eager to try a variety of character types or classes. Due to scheduling constraints, a campaign is likely to be limited to occurring once a month and will most likely take the place of the One-Shot games for the duration of the campaign.
DM Boot Camp: The dice are calling and you’ve gathered your allies, but somebody has to actually run the game! Will you answer the call to run it all? Let us help you get your footing as we go over the basics of what goes on behind the DM Screen, offer tips on how to build encounters, and suggest some “DM Does and Don’ts” that might make your games a little bit smoother and hopefully a lot more fun for you and your players. (Due to scheduling constraints, this will be a mixed Teens and Adults Group.)
Thank you for your interest in Library D&D! If you have any questions about the program or are interested in participating, feel free to contact us at 785-336-2377 or email us at librarian@senecafreelibrary.org. You can also visit with us directly at the circulation desk during regular operating hours!
Seneca Patrons have access to e-content on Hoopla (e-Books, audio books, and movies with 5 checkouts per month), Libby (e-books and audio books with unlimited checkouts), and Flipster (magazines online in a shared catalog with all of Northeast Kansas Library Systems).
Hoopla recommends you beat the summer heat with a craft-centric Binge Pass (more bang for your download buck). Sure you could let your kid burn your Hoopla checkouts with more Paw Patrol on repeat, OR you could get a full program or season of content that will teach you how to do crafts and be entertained all summer (and possibly beyond!).
For more information, visit us at the circulation desk or call us at 785-336-2377.
Seneca Free Library 606 Main St, Seneca, KS, United States
Historian and Reenactment Performer, Bill Nicks, revisits the life and times of the 34th President from the 34th State, Kansas native, Dwight D Eisenhower.
Seneca Free Library 606 Main St, Seneca, KS, United States
Rosie Bosse, a Kansas native and author, talks about the people, places, and events that influence her writing and personal style of historical fiction.
The Adventures of Nelson the NEKLS Gnome and Sherri the ShareIt Gnome!
Sherri and Nelson are the best of friends. They popped into existence together at the Seneca Free Library just as the last throws of winter began to sputter out. They came to the library to spread good cheer and excitement about the upcoming summer reading program.
“Adventure Begins at the Library,” Sherri mused. “What fun! There’s so many adventures to have and explore. Thrilling ones, mysterious ones, funny ones, mushy romantic ones, action-packed ones… oh my, and those are just the adventures to READ about!”
“Just imagine all the things our friends can do themselves in the real world!” Nelson agreed with excitement. “Camping, exploring, traveling, star gazing, picnicking, flying kites, solving puzzles and mysteries, playing games, swimming, bird watching… gosh, the possibilities are endless, really!”
And so, these two cheerful friends spent the remainder of the winter and all through the spring tickling the minds of their new librarian friends and whispering ideas and inspirations to them. Before they knew it, the end of the school year arrived, and Summer Reading was just around the corner! There were even plans for the adults at the library to have fun too! Everyone at the library was eager and excited to get started. Sherri and Nelson did such a good job helping to get things ready, they even inspired each other to consider their own adventures!
“Gosh! All of these adventures sound wonderful and exciting! Do you think we should do something on our own?” Sherri suggested with nervous anticipation.
“Let’s do it!” Nelson agreed with excitement. “Then we’ll have our own adventures to tell our friends about!”
And so, just like that, Sherri and Nelson started making their plans and prepared to make their way out into the world. Each adventurer planned a different journey so they could share their stories with each other when they got home as well! Their librarian friends wished them good luck, and off they went to explore and discover wherever their journey might take them next!
This is Our Library! Show us Yours!Sherri and Nelson Prepare for Their Adventure!
Sherri is making her journey through the Kansas ShareIt Library System (courier transfers only please!). Nelson is traveling across the Northeast Kansas Library System (NEKLS) via courier. They are leaving Monday, May 20, 2024, and should start their journey back to the Seneca Free Library on or around Friday, August 16, 2024. The goal is for them to visit as many network libraries as possible and hopefully learn a little bit about the library, their communities, and, of course, the wonderful library staff who work there!
Here at the Seneca Free Library, we’ll be posting updates on where Sherri and Nelson are at, tracking their journey on our Kansas map where our patrons can see it, and sharing all the fun and interesting pictures, info, and whatever else our creative librarian peers across Kansas might come up with. (Library Staff, please submit updates and media to Librarian@senecafreelibrary.org. Thank you for participating!) We are super excited to follow and share this journey with all of you RIGHT HERE! So don’t forget to check back often to see what our intrepid duo are up to!
Kansas is Bigger than we Thought!
Track That Trip! (Updated 10/4/2024)
Click the map to view the image closer.
Nelson Returns Home to Seneca Free Library! (Stop #8 – 9/18/2024)
After 4 months on the road, hopping courier deliveries across Northeast Kansas, Nelson the NEKLS Gnome has made his return to Seneca Free Library in Seneca, KS! He made 7 stops in his journey: Bonner Springs, Basehor, Osage City, Richmond, Pomona, Williamsburg, and Everest. He made a lot of new friends, explored some terrific libraries, helped with some summer crafts, and even got to help with a food stand at a county fair! It was a big adventure for a little gnome! He got home, took a long nap, and spent some well-overdue catch up time with his best friend Sherri.
Zzzzzzzzzz…“What do you mean it’s October already? How did that happen?”“You shot arrows at a what?!” Two friends comparing travel tales.
Nelson Stops at Barnes Reading Room! (Stop #7 – 9/11/2024)
Nelson hit the road again and made his way to Barnes Reading Room in Everest, KS. It’s a library fit for a gnome! His visit was cut short, however, as he checked his travel itinerary and realized he was a full month behind schedule! Time really must have flown, he was having so much fun!
Barnes Reading Room 640 Main St Everest, KS 66424 Website: everest.mykansaslibrary.org
Everest, KS has an estimated population of 258 (2022) and is located in Brown County, South of Hiawatha and East of Horton.
Nelson Sighting in Williamsburg! (Stop #6 – 9/4/2024)
Nelson finally came out of hiding after disappearing for a while! Williamsburg reported on his arrival and shared some pictures of his visit to their library. Nelson was a little leery of Library Lion at first, but then he realized, if Tess the T-Rex hadn’t eaten him yet back home, a lion his size probably wouldn’t try to make him a snack. Probably. Next, Nelson found inspiration in abundance in the kids’ book section, because kids books are always the best, of course! Special thanks to Williamsburg for hosting Nelson, and especially for reminding him to write home!
Williamsburg Community Library 107 S Louisa St Williamsburg, KS 66095 Website: williamsburgcommunitylibrary.org
Williamsburg, KS has an estimated population of 386 (2022) and is located in Franklin County. In addition to the library, Williamsburg is home to Guy and Mae’s Tavern, a local hot spot for barbecue ribs. There’s also Pome on the Range, Orchard and Winery.
Sherri Came Home! (Stop #8 – 8/20/2024)
After 3 months on the road, hopping courier deliveries across Kansas, Sherri the ShareIt Gnome has made her return to Seneca Free Library in Seneca, KS! She made 7 stops in her journey: Louisburg, Derby, Whitewater, Ellinwood, Phillipsburg, Manhattan, and Wamego. She met countless new friends, saw some amazing libraries, learned archery, tried some rodeo riding, helped serve food at a county fair, participated in countless story times and craft projects, and even found herself embroiled in a skirmish between other gnomes and some knights! It was truly an amazing and exciting adventure, indeed!
Reviewing the TripSharing with FriendsHappy the Plants SurvivedReviewing Some ChangesWaiting for NelsonTaking a Much Needed Nap
A special thanks to all of the libraries and their staff who played along and helped to make Sherri’s adventures through the ShareIt Courier System a fun and memorable experience! You all are awesome and we wish you the absolute best as we all wrap up the current year and prepare for next year’s Adventure!
Sherri Arrives in Wamego! (Stop #7 – 8/13/2024)
Sherri made a deceptively short trip east to Wamego, KS. (15 minutes for a regular drive can be a few days by courier since it’s not a direct trip from point A to point B.) Wamego Public Library welcomed Sherri and gave her a tour of their newly renovated facilities. Sherri was thrilled to share in the library staff’s excitement in the updates and changes they had accomplished with the support of their community and patrons.
Wamego Public Library 431 Lincoln Ave Wamego, KS 66547 Website: wamego.lib.nckls.org
Wamego, KS has a population around 4,880 (2022 Census), and is in Pottawatomie County. Wamego, KS is home of the OZ Museum, Columbian Theatre, Vanderbilt’s, Totos Tacoz, OZ Winery and the Schonhoff Dutch Mill. Wamego also hosts the Tulip Festival and OZtoberfest.
Sherri Arrives in Manhattan! (Stop #6 – 8/7/2024)
Sherri made her way east again and found herself in Manhattan, KS! Her new friends at Manhattan Public Library welcomed her with excitement and had a full itinerary planned for her in the library and around Manhattan, but apparently our intrepid adventurer caught wind of a much bigger plot and arrived at Manhattan Public Library with a mission. Library staff assisted Sherri in her research, as documented by this fantastic video below…
Manhattan Public Library 629 Poyntz Ave Manhattan, KS Website: mhklibrary.org
Manhattan, KS has a population around 53,829 (2022 Census), and is in Riley County. Manhattan, KS is known as “The Little Apple,” a play on Manhattan Island in New York, NY. It is home to the Flint Hills Discovery Center, Sunset Zoo, Tuttle Creek State Park and Reservoir, Manhattan Regional Airport, countless dining and shopping opportunities, and, of course, K-State University, the Home of the Wildcats. Manhattan is a unique gem in Kansas that offers big city opportunities and activity, while maintaining a small town atmosphere and sense of community.
Nelson Sighting in Pomona! (Stop #5 – 7/25?/2024)
Nelson made it to Pomona Community Library where he hung out with staff and some of the younger patrons. Check out that kids’ section! How fun is that? And we all know by now that Nelson is all about the educational computer games! E-mailing? Apparently not so much. But if you’re looking for some outdoor time too, Nelson recommends PCL’s new outdoor patio, which includes a music garden, planters, seating and even a mini-free library exchange!
Pomona Community Library 115 E Franklin St Pomona, KS
Pomona, KS has an estimated population of 886 (2022) and is located in Franklin County. From Travel KS.com: “Nine miles West of Ottawa you will find the busy town of Pomona. History tells us that the Sac & Fox Indian Reservation was once on this location. Twelve to fifteen thousand acres was purchased by John Whetstone who founded the city of Pomona in 1869. The Flint Hills Nature Trail will soon be open in Pomona. Pomona’s business district runs along 68 highway. They offer several restaurants, an antique shop and service stations. The contrasting beauty of rolling prairie with low hills and bountiful streams draw people to this part of Kansas as well as the recreational activities at Lake Pomona built by the Corp of Engineers.”
Sherri Arrives in Phillipsburg! (Stop #5 – 7/23/2024)
Sherri made it the furthest west she’s been so far, stopping at Phillipsburg, KS. She had a great visit with the staff and patrons of Phillipsburg City Library, even making it in time to see their Summer Library Program section with the awesome camping back drop they created for the 2024 reading program theme. She played in the kids’ kitchen area and on the train table, and then read a magazine with a great group of new friends. Sherri later had the chance to help stuff the Summer Library Program give away bags with flashlights, compasses, and notebooks. How fun! Phillipsburg is the home of the biggest rodeo in Kansas so the library staff made sure she had a chance to check out the window paint promoting the rodeo and fair. She joined the staff also while the Exploration Place from Wichita was there with their Lego Camp. Sherri wrapped up her adventure with some girl time, dishing dirt and spilling tea about local events with the Phillipsburg library ladies – Marlene, Denise, Gina and Kim. Overall, Sherri had a lovely time in Phillipsburg, and we thank Phillipsburg City Library for hosting Sherri and sharing her adventures with them!
Phillipsburg City Library 888 4th St. Phillipsburg, KS 67661 Website: cityofphillipsburg.com/136/Library
Phillipsburg, KS has a population around 2255 (2022 Census), and is in Phillips County. In addition to hosting the Biggest Rodeo in Kansas, Phillipsburg is home to Fort Bissell where the Phillips County History Museum is housed. The C & R Railroad Museum, with its 57-foot mountain range and animated 0-scale trains on 1200 feet of track, is also in Phillipsburg. Feeling more outdoorsy? Phillipsburg is home to Phillipsburg Golf Club with a top quality 9-hole golf course. Phillipsburg Disc Golf Course is located in the City Park and offers an 18-hole/basket course. There’s also the Phillipsburg Aquatic Center with zero entry indoor and outdoor pools, diving boards, slides and a splash zone.
Nelson Arrives in Richmond! (Stop #4 – 7/17/2024)
Richmond Public Library is our latest stop for Nelson the NEKLS Gnome! He made it just in time for the Franklin County Fair and had the opportunity to help the library staff and board members work a food stand that they have used as a library fundraiser for over 30 years! Nelson returned to the library and had a chance to check his e-mail and socials on the patron computers before joining summer reading program activities with both younger and older kids for crafts.
Richmond Public Library 107 E Central St Richmond, KS Website: richmond.mykansaslibrary.org
Richmond, KS has an estimated population of 446 (2022) and is located in Franklin County. Richmond is 16 miles south of Ottawa and is reported as being an agricultural town with a strong sense of community.
Sherri Arrives in Ellinwood! (Stop #4 – 7/2/2024)
Sherri made a stop in Ellinwood, KS and had the opportunity to hangout with the Ellinwood School and Community Library staff and summer program participants for their last Summer Library Session and their End of Summer Library Bash! They had story time, games, crafts, and so much fun! Sherri had a blast with her new friends and was excited to be a part of wrapping up a successful summer program.
Ellinwood School and Community Library 210 N Schiller Ave Ellinwood, KS 67526 Website: hslibrary.usd355.org
Ellinwood, KS has a population around 1980 (2022 Census), and is in Barton County. Other attractions in Ellinwood include the Ellinwood Underground Tunnels, Wolf Hotel, and the Cheyenne Bottoms and Quivira Wildlife Refuge, both of which are natural wetlands.
Nelson Arrives in Osage City! (Stop #3 – 6/28/2024)
Nelson visited Osage City! He reportedly had a lovely visit with the library staff at Osage City Public Library, but had to keep his stay brief before hopping the courier to his next destination.
Osage City Public Library 515 Main St Osage City, KS 66523 Website: basehorlibrary.com
Osage City, KS has an estimated population of 2,816 (2022) and is located in Osage County. While not readily boasting about its own attractions, Osage City sits between Topeka and Emporia, positioned as a jump off point for several attractions in the surrounding areas.
Sherri Arrives in Whitewater! (Stop #3 – 6/20? – Date Not Confirmed)
Sherri made her way through Whitewater, KS and stopped at Whitewater Memorial Library
Whitewater Memorial Library 118 E Topeka St, Whitewater, KS 67154 Website: whitewater.scklslibrary.info
Whitewater , KS has an estimated population of 667, and is northeast of Wichita in Butler County. Recent library activities include story time, “Take and Make” crafts, fused glass art, and butter making.
Sherri Arrives in Derby! (Stop #2 – 6/15? – Date Not Confirmed)
Sherri made her way through Derby, KS and stopped at Derby Public Library.
Derby Public Library 1600 Walnut Grove Rd Derby, KS 67037 Website: derbylibrary.com
Derby, KS has an estimated population of 25,939 (2022). It is located in Sedgwick County and is the largest suburb of Wichita, southeast of the main metro. Area attractions include the Museum of World Treasures, Field Station: Dinosaurs, and Rock River Rapids Aquatic Park.
Nelson Arrives in Basehor! (Stop #2 – 6/5/2024)
Nelson spent some good solid quality time taking in the sites and services of Basehor Community Library. He got to hear all about Outdoor Story Time, Reader’s Theater, Beginning Birding, ATLAS Education with Animals, and Family Trivia Night. But rather than tell you about his time at Basehor, Nelson and his new friends decided to bring you with him in the following video!
Nelson the NEKLS Gnome from the Seneca Free Library is on an adventure to visit Kansas libraries, and he stopped by the Basehor Community Library today! #librarytiktok#librarytok#fyp#basehor
Basehor Community Library 1400 158th Street Basehor, KS 66007 Website: basehorlibrary.com
Basehor, KS has an estimated population of 7,544, is located northwest of Kansas City on the eastern border, and is part of the Kansas City Metro Area. Main attractions include Holy-Field Vineyard & Winery and Falcon Lakes Golf Club.
Sherri Arrives in Louisburg! (Stop #1 – 6/5/2024)
Louisburg Library welcomed Sherri with excitement and got her straight into the action! Sherri attended the Summer Blessings Lunch and Fun where they served food to over 100 kiddos and distributed bags of groceries as well. Then she joined the kids in drawing on the parking lot with sidewalk chalk until it got too hot! The next day Sherri joined Adventure Camp for 3rd-5th grade kiddos and helped give pointers on how to hit a bullseye! She went back to the library and got to help supervise the Teen Guitar Building Class where they were hydro-dipping the bodies of their guitars. Yep, you read that right, they make their own guitar. Rock on Sister Sherri! Rock on!
Louisburg Library 206 S. Broadway Louisburg, Kansas 66053 Website: louisburglibrary.org
Louisburg, KS is on the eastern border just south of Kansas City. It has an estimated population of about 5,052 people and is the home of Louisburg Cider Mill, Cedar Cove Feline Conservatory and Education Center, and the Powell Observatory. Louisburg Library hosts no shortage of events on site, but they are also partnered with multiple organizations and services to expand their coverage and presence in other locations such as the Vintage Park Assisted Living Center and Louisburg Senior Center.
Special thanks to Louisburg Library for hosting Sherri and letting her join in on some great activities! Next stop, Derby!
Nelson Arrives in Bonner Springs! (Stop #1 – 5/23/2024)
Our friends at Bonner were delighted to meet Nelson, but unsurprisingly buried in work with their own Summer Reading startup. They introduced Nelson to their busy beaver friend and let the duo do some camping before Nelson had to go on his merry way.
Bonner Springs City Library 201 N Nettleton Ave Bonner Springs, KS 66012 Website: bonnerlibrary.org
Bonner Springs has an estimated population of 7,666 (as 2022). It is part of the Kansas City Metro area, but is itself home to the Azura Amphitheater, Kansas City Renaissance Festival (August 31-Oct 14), Moon Marble Company, and Exit Games KC (Escape Room challenge available for our Summer Adventure Theme!)
Thanks to Bonner Springs City Library for hosting Nelson and sending him on to his next destination!
