STAFFORD — Retired Supreme Court Justice Anthony Kennedy said on “Sunday Morning,” Democracy as we know it, presumes an open, rational, thoughtful, decent discussion, where you respect the dignity of the person with whom you disagree.”
What a cornerstone for our country to be built on. To achieve this and perpetuate it, we need educated rational people with accurate facts, a strong moral compass, and the ability to earn respect and respect others. Early leaders in our country recognized the importance of the availability of free, open to the public, information provided by libraries. At first, there were only personal book collections owned by the wealthy and maybe loaned out to friends. Great minds realized the public needed education and information available to everyone to make the county great. What was one of the unwritten laws of slavery? A slave was punished by death for learning to read and write. Education is the key to freedom and democracy.
Can we believe every written word or every podcast or internet post? No! Especially not in this day and age. Many are made to deceive and enlist people to an agenda or cause. We have been given a brain to search out the truth and to use common sense, libraries will help you in that endeavor.
South Central Kansas Library system chose to honor our country for its 250th Birthday by offering a $250 grant to member libraries for books in these two collections:
• Kansas Notable Book from the Kansas 250th Book Shelf at https://library.ks.gov/KS250/introduction
• PBS America250 Reading List at: https://www.pbsbooks.org/event/america250-reading-list/
“As our nation prepares to mark 250 years of independence, we invite readers of all ages to reflect on the people, events, and ideals that forged the United States. This special reading list brings together compelling titles across three distinct genres – nonfiction, historical fiction, and children’s literature – to illuminate the courage, complexity, and conviction behind America’s founding.” — PBS
Both lists have great titles to get us up to speed to celebrate the 250th celebration of the greatest country on Earth. Hopefully to get us going for another 250 years!
The American Legion Auxiliary Post, for the sixth year, has given the library a book in memory of local veterans. “Left for Dead at Nijmegen: The true story of an American Paratrooper in World War II,” ” by Marcus A. Nannini, recounts his unique encounter during Operation Market Garden and his experiences as a POW. It is very like the mission that killed Keith Smith, a 1941 graduate of Stafford High School. The book this year was given in honor of local veterans who have died in 2024 and 2025. Thank you for this gift to our community.
Coming up
• Monday Mornings 10-11 Preschool Story Hour.
• Every Wednesday except 2nd Wednesday - ESOL with Rachel Sandoval 6 p.m.
• Aug. 1 to Nov. 1 “Awesome Library Reads” Book Challenge.
• Working on setting up Open Enrollment for Medicare Part D.
• Recently Read Oct. 28 - 5:30 Come join the conversation!
• Trunk or Treat at Stafford County Hospital.
• Nov. 4 - Parents as Teachers night at the library celebrating Kansas Reads to Preschoolers.
• November and December - We’re Going on a Bear Hunt at the library! Bring your children and join us!
• Dec. 2 is Giving Tuesday. Early Bird Giving starts Nov. 2. Match Day on Dec. 2.
Gerry Hildebrand is the head librarian for the Nora Larabee Memorial Library, 108 N. Union St. in Stafford. Phone 620-234-5762, email larabeelibrary@gmail.com or visit Facebook at Nora Larabee Memorial Library.
