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.
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!
July’s monthly adventure theme is Stargazing! Who doesn’t want a summer activity that isn’t based in the heat of the afternoon sun? Want to do more than walk out your backdoor and look up at the sky? Why not pack a snack cooler with ice cold drinks and travel snacks (precut fruit like strawberries, cantaloupe, or watermelon make great options)! Take a blanket or two to sit on, drive out into the country to escape the light pollution from the street lights, find a safe place to park, sit out in the bed of your truck or set up a picnic spot, and take in the wonders of the night sky. Have a special someone? Make it a date night and have two adventures for the effort of one! Want to bring the kids instead? Make a game of identifying constellations and planets! We have a number of books on constellations and stars to help get you started. Our Adventure Backpacks are also a great option to bring with you
Want more tips on how to get the most out of your stargazing adventure?
Miss Dee wrapped up our Summer Story Time Series on Wednesday, June 26. We had a fun and energetic group for this round of storytelling and craft making. Miss Dee brought the following books to life for our guests: “There is a Bird on Your Head,” by Mo Willems, “This Books Will Get You to Sleep,” by Jory John, “This is Not My Hat,” by Jon Klassen, “Please Don’t Read This Book,” by Deanna Kizis, and “Don’t Trust Cats” by Dev Petty. Our preschool group made Butterfly Feeders and our elementary group made Dream Catchers.
We’d like to thank all of our youngsters and adults who came out to join us for our June series! We had a great time with you all and hope you had fun too! Happy reading and enjoy the rest of your summer!
Episode Three (Wednesday, June 19, 2024)
Miss Dee hosted another Story Time and Crafts session with a group of 40 kids and parents in attendance on June 19th. She read “We Don’t Eat Our Classmates” by Ryan T. Higgins, “Ten Pigs: an Epic Bath Adventure” by Derek Anderson, “Nobody’s Duck” by Mary Sullivan, “My Toothbrush is Missing,” by Jan Thomas, “Let’s Go on a Hike!” by Katrina Liu, and “Ribbit!” by Rodrigo Folgueira. The preschool group designed and crafted their own “Bitty Bugs” using plastic Easter eggs. Our elementary grade group made “Bottle Bugs” out of recycled Mt. Dew bottles. Between the awesome storytelling and creative craft projects, it was pretty clear everyone had a great time at the end of each session!
Episode Two (Wednesday, June 12, 2024)
Miss Dee took our summer story squad on another adventure through Story Time and Crafts on Wednesday, June 12th. She read “A Couch for Llama” by Leah Gilbert, “Mom, the School Flooded,” by Ken Rivard and “The Bug Girl (A true story)” by Sophia Spencer and Margaret McNamara. The preschool group made their own Glimmer Discs to decorate their rooms with. Our elementary grade group made light up constellation jars. Everyone was super excited to hear Miss Dee’s story’s and show off their projects. We can’t wait to see all our friends again next week! We were pretty busy on the library side during this time also and didn’t get to catch as many pictures as we’d have liked this time. If any of the adults who were there have pictures they want to share, either of the story telling, craft time, or just of a finished product, we’d love to see them. Email them to librarian@senecafreelibrary.org, and we’ll get them posted! (Please note which day the pictures are from so we can post them to the right gallery! Thanks!)
Episode One (Wednesday, June 5, 2024)
Miss Dee opened up our Story Time and Crafts season with a group of 50 kids and parents in attendance on June 5th. She read “Silly Tilly” by Eileen Spinelli, “Frank and Bert” by Chris Naylor-Ballesteros, and “a bear, a fish, and a fishy wish” by Daniel Bernstrom. The preschool group made their own binoculars to go out and explore with. Our elementary grade group made dream catchers. Everyone was super excited for their first story time of the season and we look forward to seeing all our friends again next week!
Jet Pack Jason of Mad Science RETURNS Tuesday, June 18!
Jet Pack Jason of Mad Science *RETURNS* to Seneca Free Library on Tuesday, June 18, at 10:30 AM! Kids of Kindergarten age through adults will thrill at the wild wonders and excitement of applied science though chemistry, physics, biology, and engineering presented in a way that is both entertaining and educational. Admission is free to our area patrons and residents. Don’t miss out on this local favorite!
Got a kid who’s a hard sell on science? Tell them there will be explosions and stuff and it’s kind of like a magic show. Shhh! They don’t have to know it’s educational till it’s too late!
*Program note, this event is recommended as unsuitable for preschoolers or toddlers.
Our library mascots, Gerald Giraffe and Tess T-Rex, have indicated that they are super excited for all of our young readers to come in for Summer Reading, but they’re feeling a bit left out of the Summer Vacation Adventures scene. Can you and your young adventure seekers help them out?
Mail Gerald and Tess a postcard from the road or a letter telling them about your vacation and summer activities! If you forget to mail cards during your trip or didn’t have a stamp handy, you can always drop your postcard or letter in their personal mailbox in the library yourself (located on the circulation desk across from the kids’ pagoda). One of the best parts of adventuring is sharing your story with others, so why not tell us about yours! They’d love to hear what you’re up to! Send post to:
Gerald and Tess
c/o Seneca Free Library
606 Main St.
Seneca, KS 66538
Check back on this page later and you just might find your story being shared with Gerald and Tess in fun and unique ways!
5/28/2024
Director Kate discovered these notes to Gerald and Tess in their personal mailbox this morning. It’s their first official mailbox delivery so we were all quite excited. And, as a personal note, if you’ve never witnessed a plush giraffe blush, it’s quite the sight to see.
