The Ellinwood School/Community Library continues to thrive as a center of learning, creativity, and community spirit. Throughout 2025, the library supported students, families, and local organizations through wide-ranging programs and services that enriched education and strengthened community connections.
The library’s dedicated staff played a vital role in these accomplishments. Technical/Public Services Librarian and High School Library Assistant Amy Hammeke provided exceptional support to students and teachers, ensuring access to resources and technology. Karie Gibson, the grade school library assistant and story time facilitator, inspired young readers through her engaging storytelling and presence in the elementary school. Treva Paden oversaw interlibrary loan services and continued her work with the Baby & Me program, helping families build early literacy skills. Evening staff members Heather Dombroski and Dana Drake extended library access and provided reliable assistance to patrons during after-school and evening hours.
Our student assistants also made an important impact. Emma Clemons continued her work on the Senior Spotlight series last spring and contributed to several library improvements. In the fall, Madison Dombroski took on the Senior Spotlight bulletin board and wrote accompanying features for the Check It Out newspaper column, bringing attention to the achievements of Ellinwood’s seniors. Foreign exchange student, Clarisse Messet, has also been a good addition to our library assisting with our youth services programs and displays.
Throughout the year, the library hosted and supported a wide variety of student and community events. These included the EHS NHS Induction, college and sports signings, the EGS Book Fair, the EHS/EMS Library Halloween event, the EHS Rake and Run, Scholars Bowl, and Forensics and Debate showcases. The library also welcomed local Girl Scout activities and supported the EHS NHS Hope Tree project. Community favorites such as the Summer Library Kick-off with Cindy Crandall, the End-of-Summer Library Bash, After Harvest Festival Bingo, display, and tours, and the Christkindlmarket all brought energy and excitement into the library space.
This year also featured several special collaborations and learning opportunities. The library partnered with Apply Kansas, sponsored Battle of the Books with our team placing third in the state, and hosted multiple Chamber Coffees – including one celebrating the EHS musical Mary Poppins – and welcomed Chamber After Hours with Rick Reed to introduce the Americans and the Holocaust display. A Chamber Meet and Greet featuring Games of Deception author Andrew Maraniss offered visitors a unique chance to hear from a nationally recognized writer. Programs also played an important role, particularly the Teachers Training and Lunch & Learn sessions offered by the Midwest Center for Holocaust Education (MCHE), which provided valuable knowledge and materials for local educators and community members.
The library’s exhibits and displays continued to highlight the talents and history of the community. Favorites included the St. John CDC and St. Joseph Display, the Twilight Stitchers Quilt Display, and the Ellinwood High School and Grade School Art Shows. The library was honored to host the Central Prairie League Art Show, organized by EHS Art Teacher Greg Maxwell, showcasing creative works from talented student artists across the region. The exhibit brought vibrant energy to the library as visitors explored a wide range of mediums, styles, and themes created by students from participating CPL schools. Hosting the show not only highlighted the artistic achievements of area youth but also strengthened the library’s role as a community gathering place that celebrates learning, culture, and creativity. The library was also privileged to host the talent of the late local artist, Robert Joy, provided by Marcella Birzer.
The year’s signature feature – the Americans and the Holocaust Exhibit, sponsored by the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum and the American Library Association – drew students and visitors from across the region and provided meaningful opportunities for reflection and discussion. This exhibit will be available for tours until Jan. 10. Special exhibits to the library offered deeper historical engagement, including the Camp Concordia traveling partner exhibit and the Museum of Ellinwood’s World War II display.
A new chapter
At the end of the 2026 school year, I will be concluding my career in public education and stepping down as director of the Ellinwood School/Community Library. It has been a joy to serve this community, and I am filled with gratitude for the experiences, relationships, and memories that have shaped my time here. Looking ahead, I am excited for the library’s future and confident it will continue to grow as a welcoming and dynamic resource, supporting education, fostering innovation, and strengthening community connections.
To our staff, students, patrons, and community supporters: thank you for making 2025 a memorable and successful year. Your involvement and enthusiasm are what make the Ellinwood School/Community Library such a special place. We look forward to serving you in the year to come.
Wishing you a joyful and prosperous New Year.
Sheri Holmes is the director of library and media services for the Ellinwood School and Community Libraries. She can be reached by email at sholmes@usd355.org.
