The Ellinwood School/Community Library continues to serve as a vibrant hub for learning, creativity, and connection, engaging both students and the community in meaningful ways. Here’s a look at the highlights and achievements of 2024:

 Library Staff and Student Assistants

Our dedicated staff and assistants are the heart of our library. Their contributions this year have been extraordinary:

• Amy Hammeke: Technical/Public Services Librarian, High School Library Assistant, providing invaluable support to students and faculty.

• Karie Gibson: Grade School Library Assistant and Story Time Facilitator, inspiring young minds through interactive storytelling.

• Treva Paden: Facilitating interlibrary loan services, expanding the reach of our library’s resources.

• Heather Dombroski and Dana Drake: Evening Library Staff, ensuring extended access and support for patrons.

• Kaitlin Clawson: Baby & Me Facilitator, fostering early literacy and family engagement.

• Teacher Assistants: Gracyn Dombroski: Continued the Senior Spotlight last spring and has been instrumental in relocating books, creating posters, and assisting with various improvements.

• Emma Clemons: Stepped in this fall, excelling at creating our “Senior Spotlight” bulletin board and featuring them in the “Check It Out” newspaper articles.

 Events Hosted or Assisted With

The library served as a venue and partner for a wide array of events, reflecting its commitment to education, culture, and community service.

 Student and Community Initiatives

• Reality U

• Valentine’s for the United Way

• EHS NHS Induction

• Student college, education, and sports signings

• EGS Book Fair

• EHS/EMS Library Halloween Event

• EHS Rake & Run

• EHS Scholars Bowl

• EHS Forensics and Debate Showcases

• Girl Scouts

• EGS Book Blast - Books Are Fun

• EHS NHS Hope Tree 

 Seasonal and Community Events

• Summer Library Kick-off with Rosie Bosse 

• End-of-Summer Library Bash

• Roper Romp

• After Harvest Festival Bingo and Tours

• Christkindlmarket featuring KAY Club Gingerbread Houses, EHS Yearbook Photo Booth, and Ellinwood Hospital Coat Drive

 Collaborations and Special Events

• Apply Kansas

• Community Health Needs Assessment

• Community Meeting for the Bond Issue

• Kansas State Extension Learning Adventures

• Ellinwood Historical Society’s Graveside Conversation

 Chamber Coffees featuring events

• New Staff Chamber Coffee

• Ellinwood Public Education and Library Foundation Chamber

• Coffee featuring EHS Musical “Honk” 

 Creative Displays and Exhibits

The library’s engaging displays highlighted the creativity and talents of our community.

• St. John CDC & St. Joseph Display

• Twilight Stitchers Quilt Display

• Ellinwood High School and Grade School Art Shows

• After Harvest Festival Art Display

• Carol Kimball Schrepel Art Display, provided by Terry and Melissa Nesh

• Ellinwood Energizers 4-H Display

• Puppet Display

 Looking Ahead

As we prepare for 2024, the library remains committed to supporting students, staff, and the community with innovative programs and initiatives. From fostering early literacy to hosting events that bring our community together, the Ellinwood School/Community Library is proud to be a cornerstone of learning and connection.

Thank You to our staff, patrons, and community partners - thank you for making 2024 a year to remember. Your support and involvement are what make our library a special place for everyone. We look forward to continuing this journey with you in the year ahead.

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.