The library’s February events have something to offer everyone in our community! Stop by and see what is going on, browse the new bookshelves, or pick up a February calendar. 

There is a large table set up near the library’s front desk that has crafting materials for creating homemade Valentine cards. Anyone of any age is welcome to stop at the table to create a personalized valentine, but we encourage everyone who makes a card of their own to also create a card for our Valentine’s Day boxes. We will take the cards in those boxes and distribute them to local nursing homes and assisted living facilities. The card-making supplies will be available until February 14. Next time you are in the library, please take a few moments to create cards for yourself as well as our elderly friends in the community. It only takes a few moments to bring a smile to someone’s face!

February’s featured guest artist at the library is Linnea Winter. Linnea is a retired architect who practiced from 1961 to 2008. She attended Kansas State University and received her degree in architecture in 1959, but also learned various mediums of drawing and painting. In 1968 Linnea began teaching art classes for the Kansas State University Extension program at the Baker Art Gallery, and when Barton Community College opened she also taught classes in art, architectural drawing, and blueprint reading. Linnea is from Great Bend and is married to Calvin Winter. Her artwork will be on display in the library throughout the entire month.

Finally, this Saturday (Feb. 9) is a big day at the library. Miss Patty Collins, our special guest, will share on “The Life and Works of Laura Ingalls Wilder” at 10 a.m. This program is open to kids, teens, and adults, and will feature a presentation about Wilder’s life, a discussion of her works, including the famous “Little House on the Prairie” book series, and some information about the world in which Wilder lived as a pioneer and settler. There will also be displays of historical artifacts and photos, and you will even get a chance to sample some prairie-themed treats!

See the accompanying schedule for the library’s activities during this upcoming week. For more detailed information on any library events, programs, or resources, check out our website (www.greatbendpl.info), send us an email (gbcirc@greatbendpl.info), or call the front desk (620-792-2409). You can also “like” and follow us on Facebook and Instagram. Have a great week!

Michael Adamyk is the Marketing and Technical Services Manager at the Great Bend Public Library. He can be reached by email at gbcirc@gmail.com.