Arthur Returns from a Well Deserved Vacation

"Arthur is so devoted to the children of Lawrence," said Bruce Flanders, Library Director. "He helps out in our children's department day in and day out and hadn't taken a break in the ten years he has worked at the library."

Concerned for his welfare, Lawrence Public Library supporters John and Carol Nalbandian, provided the funds for Arthur's vacation.

"I first met Arthur as a friend of my granddaughter, Janie," said John Nalbandian. "She loved Arthur and introduced me and Carol to him. The first time we met him, he was reading. We were so impressed; we had never seen an aardvark read."

Arthur headed out to Independence, Kansas, the state's #1 vacation destination for stuffed aardvarks. He stayed with former library staffer Dana Hart.

"When I first saw Arthur, I couldn't believe my eyes," said Hart. "He was thin and droopy and his clothes were in terrible shape. He needed help."

Arthur spent the next several weeks relaxing in Independence. He took in several of the local sites, including the zoo, Little House on the Prairie, the miniature train and a nearby farm.

Soon Arthur was missing his friends at the Lawrence Public Library and decided that it was time for him to go home. A mob of children greeted him on September 2nd at the Tuesday morning story time. His return even made it into the Lawrence Journal World.

Among those attending Arthur's welcome back party were John and Carol Nalbandian. "He just looks great," said John Nalbandian. "He came back with a whole new wardrobe and even gained a little weight. The vacation worked wonders."

Arthur is now back on the job, listening to stories and receiving hugs and kisses from the library's youngest patrons.

"It's wonderful to have him back at the library," said John Nalbandian. "Every library needs an Arthur — especially one that likes to read and play with kids who like to read and hear stories."