by Amber Schmitz, Sumner Newscow — In celebration of the Wellington Public Library’s Centennial Anniversary, many events are being planned.

“There is something for everyone, it is geared toward adults, children and families,” said Jo Plumb, Wellington Public Library Director.

A meeting was held Tuesday evening at the library to finalize dates for upcoming events.

Memorial bricks will be available for purchase soon, and will possibly be placed around the child statue outside the library. For a nominal fee of $25, family names, class graduation years, etc. can be engraved on a memorial brick. Once the memorial location is determined, a design will be planned.

One of the first events to be held will be the Library Olympics on Saturday, May 21. Different library themed kids games are planned, including a book cart relay.

Former and current library employees will be invited to a special tea, with the date to be announced. 

Registration for the Summer Reading Program begins May 16, and a kickoff will be held Monday, June 6, with many fun activities planned. Two family day activities will include a program by Exploration Place, and the magician, Flying Debris.

Many local authors, and those from surrounding areas, will be invited to an Author Fair, which will be held Saturday, June 25.

Parents and kids will have the chance to purchase books during the Scholastic Book Fair which will begin Monday,  June 27, and be held all that week. Currently, the staff is seeking someone who can transform a photograph of the library into a line drawing to be placed on reusable book bags to be distributed.

A birthday party for the library, with cake included, will be held Saturday, July 2, with a possible appearance by Andrew Carnegie.

Events to take place during the Kansas Wheat Festival include slam poetry, a spelling bee, and a Read-a-Thon. They also plan to have a float in the parade, which is scheduled for Friday, July 8. Volunteers are needed to help with this project.

An edible book event will be held during Wheat Fest. Creatively prepared baked goods, with a library or story theme, will be on display, made by people of all ages.

Other activities in the planning stages include a scavenger hunt inside the library, a murder mystery night and trivia night.

“Right now, everything is still in the planning stages, but as details for events get worked out, we will need volunteers to help,” Plumb said.

If you’re interested in volunteering, contact Library Director Jo Plumb, or Children’s Librarian Lisa Vargas, by calling 620-326-2011.

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