Capitol Federal Invests in Lawrence Teens

Lawrence’s teenagers will read in increased comfort thanks to the generosity of the Capitol Federal Foundation. The Lawrence Public Library Foundation has received a $5,000 grant from Capitol Federal for new seating areas in its popular teen "Zone."

The improvements to the Zone are part of a larger library renovation project. Plans for the Zone call for doubling the size of the young adult area of the library, a new homework center with 12 computer workstations, casual seating areas, study tables, new shelving, and an improved sound barrier so that teens can be teens!

Since 1893, Capitol Federal has generously given back to the Kansas communities it serves. This tradition continues today with this wonderful investment in the young people of Lawrence.

"One of our most important goals is to make the library a safe and welcoming place for local teens, said Bruce Flanders, Library Director. "Through this wonderful partnership with the Capitol Federal Foundation, Lawrence's junior high and high school students soon will have a brand new area of the library in which to study, read and be with their friends."

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Arthur Returns from a Well Deserved Vacation

Ten years can take its toll on a guy. Arthur, the Lawrence Public Library's popular stuffed aardvark, took a break this summer from his adoring fans to get some well deserved rest. He returned to the library on September 2nd, just in time for Tuesday morning story time.

"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."

Bill Self's Assists Foundation Awards Grant for "Self" Check Machines

You're out of line! That's the message from the Lawrence Public Library thanks to a $3,000 matching grant from Coach Bill Self's Assists Foundation for upgraded and new self check out machines at the library. The new equipment will speed customer service, making it easier for kids and adults to check out books, movies, music and other materials.

Bill Self knows first hand the difference that caring adults, adequate education and accessible athletic facilities make in the lives of young people. It is the desire to help improve the communities our young people live in that led him to create the Assists Foundation.

Like Assists, the Lawrence Public Library works to improve the quality of life for virtually every child in Lawrence through free access to books, educational programs and cultural opportunities. So on your next visit to the Lawrence Public Library, check out the new "Self" check machines – named in honor of Lawrence's favorite college basketball coach!

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Wal-Mart Promotes Early Literacy at the Lawrence Public Library

The Wal-Mart Foundation has awarded the Lawrence Public Library a $1,000 community grant to promote literacy and the love of stories for Lawrence's youngest readers. The funds will be used for story time puppets and flannel sets as well as two online children's library services. "One More Story" and "Tumblebooks" are Internet-based libraries that allow children to choose a book, see the illustrations, and have it read aloud to them. Both services are accessible through the Children's Department computers.

The importance of stories and sharing books with children is essential to building strong readers. Listening to stories leads children to love books The Lawrence Public Library is grateful to Wal-Mart for its support of the young readers of our community.