All Fun and Games at Seneca Free Library

Winter Break Will Include Game Days at SFL December 27 and January 3!

GAME ON!!!!

On December 27 and January 3, Seneca Free Library is cracking open our Game Vault for an Official Game Day from 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM. These game day events are free to area kids and adults ages 7 and up. It’s an open attendance event so participants can come and go during this time as their schedule allows. You can play an assortment of games through the afternoon or just drop in to play a few quick rounds of your favorite game between appointments or errands!

Children 6 and under must be accompanied by an Adult (school age siblings do not count as sufficient supervision in the library). While library staff will be present to facilitate this activity, babysitting services are not available during this time. As typical with any library event, please provide us with contact information relevant to the times of the event schedule or give your child a written copy of this information to deliver to us when they check in. Please be advised, if participants exhibit disruptive or inappropriate behavior, we reserve the right to remove them from activities. A parent or guardian may be contacted and requested to pick them up.

With that all being said, we are very excited to offer this activity option to the calendar and to see our collected game vault put to good use!

Triple Header Week at Seneca Free Library! Don’t Miss Out!

Week of December 9, 2024 is BUSY for Seneca Free Library!

THIS WEEK is CRAZY at the Library!!! Don’t Miss Out!

Last chance to preregister your creative kiddos for the Free Ornament Making Craft Event TOMORROW, Tuesday, December 10, 3:30 PM – 5:00 PM after school. 3 ornaments to make and take home, plus additional projects available to copy and/or take home to build! Ages 1st-4th grade.

Cooking with Kids Returns THIS THURSDAY, December 12, 3:30 PM – 5:00 PM after school! We still have five (5) slots open for festive chefs to join Deb and see what she’s got cookin’ in the kitchen! Ages 8-11 years old. New participants will need a waiver/permission sheet signed at the desk before joining the session.

Last call for Trivia Night at the Library on Friday, December 13! We’re still accepting teams of 4-6 Adult(ish) players for this fun and festive event! Snacks and Non-alcoholic drinks encouraged. Prizes for the top team. Fun and Surprises for all! $10 per person entry fee payable at the door. Doors open at 6:00 PM (Main entrance) for teams to set up. Game starts at 6:30 PM. We are super excited to see everyone for this festive holiday edition of Trivia Night at the Library!

Call 785-336-2377 or drop in at the circulation desk to register for one or more of these awesome events!

Let the Games Begin!

Seneca Free Library is Starting a Games Initiative

…but we need your help!

We are starting a table games initiative for library game day events and regular in-house use (sorry, no checkouts from the library), but we need some help in building our game library. Right now we’re especially short on games for younger kids. With the program just starting, we hate to sink a lot of money into acquisitions and storage for something that might not see a lot of use right away. If you have a chance to look through your board and card games at home and find some gently used options that just don’t make it out of the box anymore (or ever), we’d love to see them here! If you have some common games (or what’s left of them) that are missing pieces and ready to be replaced, we could always use some spare parts on hand in case a die rolls away or Professor Plum’s token bounces off the table and disappears into the stacks. (Don’t even get us started on the Monopoly Dog chasing the car or the havoc of the Candyland Gingies. Oh, the humanity!)

Ideal games for library use are ones that don’t require a large amount of setup and that can be learned and taught to the other players in five minutes or less. Games that require batteries to operate are less ideal (due to ongoing cost) but will be considered. Games that make a mess (i.e. Pie Face) or pose sanitary concerns (i.e. Speak Out) are not appropriate for library use, as entertaining as they might be at home.

Our Current Inventory Includes:

(Updated 11/18/2024)

  • 5 Second Rule (Standard Ed., 3 or more players, Ages 10+) (x2 copies)
  • Animal Dominos (Kids Ed. 2-4 players, Ages 3+)
  • Apples to Apples (Standard Ed., 4-8 players, Ages 12+)
  • Are You Smarter than a 5th Grader? (Standard Ed., 2-4 players, Ages 8+)
  • Battleship (Standard Ed., 2-player, Ages 7+)
  • Bunco Party (Standard Ed. 2-12 players, Ages 8+)
  • Candy Land (Standard Ed., 2-4 players, Ages 3+)
  • Chess/Checkers (Standard Ed., 2-player, Ages 5+)
  • Clue (Original Ed., 3-6 players, Ages 8+)
  • Clue (Card Game Ed, 3-4 players, Ages 8+)
  • Connect 4 (Classic Grid Ed., 2 Players, 6+)
  • Disney Princess Card Games (Old Maid, Go Fish, Crazy Eights, Memory Match), (Player Count varies by game, Ages 3+)
  • Count Your Chickens! (Standard Ed., 2-4 players [cooperative play], Ages 3+)
  • Dominoes (Double Six Color Dot Set, 2-4 players, Ages 8+)
  • Dominoes (Classic Black Wood Set, 2-4 players, Ages 8+)
  • Family Feud (Platinum Ed., 2-4 players, Ages 8+)
  • Guess Who (Original Ed., 2 players, Ages 6+)
  • Heads Up! (Standard card-based version, 2-6 players, Ages 8+)
  • Life (50th Anni Ed, 2-3* players, Ages 9+)* 3 car tokens missing
  • Mancala (Basic Ed., 2 players, Ages 6+)
  • Memory (Original Ed., 2-4 players, Ages 3+)
  • Monopoly (Standard Ed., 2-8 players, Ages 8+)
  • Mousetrap (Standard Ed, 2-4 players, Ages 6+)
  • National Geographic Magnetic Marble Run Set
  • Nick at Nite Classic TV Trivia (Standard Ed., 2-4 players, Ages 8+)
  • Outburst (Standard Ed., 2+ players, Age Adult)
  • Playing Cards (Standard Deck, age and players vary by game played)
  • Puzzle (Melissa & Doug 2×3 ft floor puzzle, 24 pieces, “Fairy Tale Friendship”)
  • Quiddler (Standard Ed., 1-8 players, Ages 8+)
  • Seneca-opoly (Local Ed., 2-8 players, Ages 8+)
  • Scrabble (Standard Ed., 2-4 players, Ages 8+)
  • Scrabble Junior (Jr Ed., 2-4 players, Ages 5+)
  • Skribble (Standard Ed., Ages 8+)
  • Suspend (Melissa & Doug Ed., 1-4 players, Ages 8+)
  • Texas Hold ‘Em Tournament Poker Set (2-10 players, Ages 8+)
  • Trouble (Original Ed., 2-4 players, Ages 5+)
  • Uno Deluxe (Original Ed. 2-10 players, Ages 7+)
  • Uno Dominoes (Standard Ed., 2-6 players, Ages 7+)
  • VisualEyes (Standard Ed., 2-8 [or more] players, Ages 8+)
  • War (Game specific card set for War and Memory, 2-4 players, Ages 3+)
  • Yahtzee (Standard Ed., 2-10 players, Ages 8+)

Games We Are Currently Looking For Include:

  • Chutes and Ladders (or Snakes and Ladders)
  • Hi-Ho Cherry Oh
  • Jr. Editions of most games
  • Memory (We have the Original edition, but would consider variant theme editions)
  • Settlers of Catan
  • Sorry

Guidelines for Using Library Games

Games and game pieces are not available for checkout. They are meant to be played inside the library (or meeting room for special events).

You are responsible for any game that you sign for and borrow. Lost pieces or damage to the game board or cards may result in fees necessary to fix or replace game components.

Games must be checked out and signed for one at a time. The first game must be turned in at the desk and all pieces must be accounted for before checking out another game. The number of games borrowed on a daily basis is otherwise only limited by the constraints of library operating hours.

All games must be completed and turned in before the end of regular library hours or before the end of a gaming event. The library will not stay open late just for games to be completed.

Library staff are not responsible for teaching, moderating, or providing players for a game. Be sure to borrow games appropriate for your number of players and the players’ ages and ability to learn or comprehend the rules. If the standard rules for a game are missing for some reason, let the librarian on duty know and we’ll see what we can do about finding and printing an official copy.

Many common board and card games may have what are called “House Rules.” These are rules that modify how the original game works usually for the sake of simplification or increasing the challenge of a game. Before your group begins playing any game, be sure everyone is aware of and in agreement with any “House Rules” that may be used. Again, it is not the librarian’s job to handle or moderate rules disputes or disagreements in your game.

Games played in the main library are expected to be aware of and courteous to the other patrons using the library and the staff trying to work. Repeated outbursts or continuous disruption may result in the termination of your gaming session.

But most of all, Have FUN!

Christmas Bureau Donations Accepted at SFL Till Dec 6!

Christmas Bureau Donations Still Accepted at SFL Till Dec 6!

From now until December 6 we are accepting donations to the Nemaha County Christmas Bureau! Suggested donations include new toys for boys and girls ages infant-12, hats, gloves, socks, towels, blankets, toiletry items (shampoo, conditioner, bath gel, toothpaste, etc.), and stocking stuffers. Financial gifts may be turned in at the desk and made payable to the Nemaha County Christmas Bureau. Please do not leave monetary donations unattended in the donation box. Also, please bring all donations inside the library during our regular business hours (M-TH 9A-7P, F 10A-5P, & Sat 9A-1P). Donations left outside while we are closed are subject to theft, moisture damage, and infestation by creepy crawlies, which ends up benefiting nobody. Donations for this program are locally distributed only in Nemaha County and are considered tax deductible.

Christmas Crafts for Kids Set for December 10th

Ornament Making Session for Kids Grade 1-4 on December 10th at Seneca Free Library!

?? Jingle Jangle Jingle Jangle Tra La La La La…. ??

It’s holiday time and we’ve got a kids craft program your little elf won’t want to miss!

Tuesday, December 10, we are offering a free ornament making session here at the library for kids ages 1st – 4th grade! Your creative kiddo can custom build three different ornament types for someone special or to put on their tree at home! The craft session starts after school on Tuesday and wraps up around 5:00 PM. Any unfinished projects can be taken home to be completed, and we’ll have additional take home projects available for more creative fun or for our friends who couldn’t make it to the actual session to pick up later. Call 786-336-2377 to register your little one so we know how many materials to prepare and have enough help lined up to make the event as fun and properly supported as possible.

The December Adventure Theme is “Neighborhood Game Night or Tournament”

The December Adventure Theme is “Neighborhood Game Night or Tournament”

It’s a new month, and December’s recommended library adventure is “Host a Neighborhood Game Night or Tournament!”

Maybe some of you out there already do this, or maybe you even have regular neighborhood barbecues or potlucks. Maybe (probably “likely” for many of you) you live out in the country or on the far edge of town and your closest neighbor is a solid mile away at least (and that’s how you like it). But for those of us in the middle who are neither super-social nor happily isolated, there’s some wiggle room to grow and explore new options. Hence, Adventure!

Here’s some tips to get you started:

1. Do a knock and talk around the block and extend the invitation in person. It’s more personal than a card or letter (better yet, hand deliver an invite card so they have the date and time already written down).

2. Plan a pot luck or snack buffet everyone can contribute to.

3. Pick easy to learn or broadly familiar games that can be taught in 5 minutes or less and preferably games best suited for groups of 4-8 players.

4. If you have enough players to split into even(ish) groups, try dividing them equally and then mix up the groups one or two times through the event to keep the conversations fresh and the participants mingling.

5. Keep in mind, and perhaps remind your guests, this is about getting together and getting to know your neighbors better. This is not the time to discuss property line disputes, HOA complaints, whose leaves are going into what yard, or whose dog is doing their business where. A potential benefit of an event like this is it might actually humanize the neighbors to each other and improve any trivial bickering that might normally be (at least for a while).

With wild weather and wilder people out and about these days, knowing your neighbors is more important than ever. Better to find out who they are over a game of “Apples to Apples” than when the next “gust-nado” puts your favorite tree through their living room window. It also becomes easier to call them direct and ask if the stranger doing a lookie-loo through their shed is supposed to be there or if the police need to be called.

Winter Weather Reminder

Winter Weather Library Policy

We didn’t want to do it. We held off as long as we could, but it’s time to break out the weather advisory for Winter 2024-2025…

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.
It’s always best to check before heading out. Call us at 785.336.2377

Find it “Written in the Stars” at Seneca Free Library!

Kansas has a long running connection to the stars with its motto being “ad astra per aspera” or “To the stars through difficulties.” This year @humanitieskansas produced a book of poetry and prose focused all on the stars that shine above the Sunflower State, titled, “Written in the Stars.” In connection with the November 17 Leonid Meteor Shower, we are presenting a display of star and space related books to check out in addition to the free copies of “Written in the Stars” that Humanities Kansas has provided for us to distribute to our patrons and community members. We are excited to share this collected work and our stellar selection with all of you! Thank you #HumanitiesKansas!

REGULAR HOURS OF OPERATION (A Reminder)

REGULAR HOURS OF OPERATION
(Exceptions include: special events, staff training, severe weather, major holidays)

Monday – Thursday: 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM
Friday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Saturday: 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM

Notifications regarding early closings or additional schedule changes will be made via posts on this website, posts on Facebook and Instagram, and through notification flyers posted at the circulation desk and at the library entrances. Advance notice may be given when possible in “From the Bookshelf” articles found in the Courier Tribune and in our E-mail Newsletters.

The Adventures of Nelson the NEKLS Gnome and Sherri the ShareIt Gnome (UPDATE 10/10/2024)!

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!


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.

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!


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!

@basehorlibrary

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

? Aesthetic – Tollan Kim & Kudasaibeats


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!