CLAFLIN — The Claflin Independent Township Library will celebrate National Library Week, April 14-19, showcasing the new copies of micro film of historic Claflin Clarion, Claflin Gazette and Claflin Banner newspapers and having an open house.
“Our original newspapers were in crumbling condition,” said Librarian July Wondra. “They were yellowing, and if you touched them they’d fall apart.”
Wondra has ordered 25 rolls of micro film, for the years 1890-1970s. The library does have a microfilm reader, but it does not print, which is something Wondra would like to have.
“We have people come in during the summer and look up grandparents, genealogies and such,” she said. Also, historically, weddings were written up differently and were more descriptive.
The microfilm costs $75 each, but may have more than one year on it. The project was funded by a grant and private donations.
The librarian said they’d like to continue acquiring micro film up until the present. The micro film was purchased from the Kansas State Historical Society.
The hours of operation are: Monday, 3:30-8 p.m.; Tuesday and Friday, 9-12:30 p.m.; Thursday, 1-5:30 p.m.; Saturday, 9 a.m. to noon; and closed Wednesday and Sunday.
For those visiting the library that week, they may enter for a $25 drawing from Bailey’s Food Bin. Refreshments will be served during the week.
Donations are appreciated to purchase additional microfilm. Call 620-587-3488 for more information.