SLK News

By Roger Carswell, Director, Iola Public Library 

Iola Public Library held a very successful Family Reading Festival on September 18, 2010.  Sixteen author programs were presented during the 6-hour Festival, which was held on the campus of Allen County Community College.  Children’s or young adult authors were Lisa Harkrader, Laura Manivong, Dorinda Nicholson, Roderick Townley, Beverley Olson Buller, and Darleen Bailey Beard.  Adult fiction authors presenting were Nancy Pickard, Johnny D. Boggs, Judith Miller, Max McCoy, and Jason Quinn Malott.  Adult nonfiction authors were Jim Hoy, Max McCoy, Paul Shirley, Richard E. Wood, David A Nichols, Joseph and Suzanne Collins, and Travis Taggart.  Book signings followed author programs, and Watermark Books of Wichita was there to sell books by the Festival authors.

Author Laura Manivong presents

There was lots going on beside the author programs.  Attendees could make book snakes, decorate bookmarks, make a “Wimpy Kid” journal, and play the Cheese Touch game.  Storytimes were held during every time slot.  Storybook characters in costume roamed the halls periodically—Skippyjon Jones, Spot, Lyle the Crocodile, and a Wild Thing.  Reading-related exhibitors were on hand to talk to attendees and hand out information, including the Kansas Center for the Book, William Allen White Children’s Book Award, KTWU-Raising Readers/Ready to Learn, and more. 

Storybook characters in Iola

An estimated 400 people attended the Family Reading Festival; 342 actually signed the Register.  Those who signed the register were nearly evenly split between adults and children.  About 10% came from at least 30 miles away to attend. 

The Family Reading Festival received rave reviews from attendees and authors alike.  A Steering Committee of about 15 people worked hard over the course of more than a year to make the Festival a reality.  They hope to see it continue as a biennial event.  The Festival was funded by the Institute of Museum and Library Services, but ongoing local funding is being sought.

By Annette Smith, Community Relations, Hutchinson Public Library

The Hutchinson Public Library hosted the Prairie Book Festival on September 25, 2010 from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. on the library grounds. The Festival was a celebration of reading, writing and literature and featured a combination of Kansas authors, with book sales and autographing; storytelling and crafts for children; book valuations; memoir readings; musical entertainment and other attractions.

Eleven Kansas authors spoke at 30 minute intervals beginning at 10 a.m. in the Presenters’ Tent. Authors included Steven Farney, McPherson; B.D. “Bonnie” Tharp and Bob Gress of Wichita; Jim Hoy, Emporia; as well as Hutchinson authors Steven Hind, Dr. Mark Fesen, Bill Sheldon, Carol Murray, Marilyn Hope Lake, Sgt. Jim Potter, and Robert Hannigan. Their book topics covered a wide range, including sports, inspirational, nature photography, Kansas history, poetry, cancer treatment, pets, and law enforcement. Most all of the authors had books available for purchase and autographing immediately following their presentations.

Author Bonnie Tharp presents

Several more authors sold and autographed their books throughout the day in the Vendors’ Tent. Kay Kile, Fredonia; Carolyn Saylor, Lyons; Hazel Hart and Bonnie Eaton, Wichita; Roberta and Ramona Lampe, Garden Plain; and Judy Knepp, Augusta. Community groups in the Vendors’ Tent were the Hutchinson/Reno Arts & Humanities Council; the Hutchinson Art Center; William Allen White Children’s Book Award, Emporia; Kansas Kids More Than a Museum; Reno County Genealogical Society; Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR); and the General Federation of Womens’ Club (GFWC). Also in the Vendors’ Tent, “antiques road show” type book valuations were given on a first come, first served basis by Gene Medenwald of Stafford.

In the Reading and Story Tent, Mini Memoir readings were presented beginning at 10:15 a.m. by local writers Dottie Gibson, Larre Eschliman, Betty Ritterhouse, Taliatha Holmes, Jewel Yoder, and Nancy Sliker. These writers all participated in the “Mini Memoirs” writing workshops sponsored by our Friends group, which were taught by Friends board member Sheila Lisman last year at the library. At noon, library director Gregg Wamsley read the best 100 word fiction story written by Ros Manchego, since she wasn’t able to attend the festival. Winner of the PBF limerick contest, Joleen Arnhold, recited her entry and Joyce Connard read her winning longest sentence. All three entries are posted on the library’s homepage, www.hutchpl.org. Storytelling was done by Lisa Vargas, Youth Services Coordinator at Wellington Public Library.

Lisa Vargas, Wellington Public Library

 
Children who weren’t listening to the storyteller could stop by the garage area near the tents to make come and go crafts. Anyone who was thirsty or in need of a snack could purchase one from the Bru Crue Coffee Bar inside the library or visit their remote location outside under the Vendors’ Tent.

The Hutchinson/Reno Arts & Humanities Council director, Mark Rassette, arranged for several musical groups to perform. Jazz was performed by the Anthony Panek Group from 10-11:30 a.m. and the Almost Jazz Combo played from 1-2:30 p.m. Woodwind trio Tras Blas played classical pieces from 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. and folk music was performed inside by the Muddy River Methodists from 2:30-4 p.m. The music served as a pleasant background and gave a festive air to the event.

Despite the rain that suddenly swept through in the afternoon so the last few events had to be moved inside, we had a very successful day. The Festival was jointly sponsored by the Friends of the Hutchinson Public Library, the Hutchinson Public Library, and the Hutchinson/Reno Arts and Humanities Council. For more, take a look at our PBF web site: www.prairiebookfestival.com . 
                       

 By Karen Wallace, Osborne Public Library

The final chapter of the 2010 Sunflower State Book Festival has come to an end. In case you missed the opportunity to attend the festival, the following is a short summary that will let you know what to look forward to next year.

A family enjoys the Festival

The Friday evening kickoff event was an open house for Don Coldsmith Award winner, Nancy Pickard.  Nancy greeted the public with enthusiasm and spent a lot of time with individuals looking for some writing tips.  She was thrilled to receive the Don Coldsmith award as he was a great friend and mentor to her.  After the open house, Harvey’s Coffee and Kitchen was open for a presentation by Elizabeth Black.  Several authors came to town for these events and it gave the public a sneak preview of what would be taking place on Saturday.

Nancy Pickard wins the Coldsmith Award

Bright and early Saturday morning a breakfast was hosted on site for the authors as they began to arrive at the New Gym to set up their booths and to talk to one another.  Authors came from all across the state, from Kansas City, MO and Loveland, CO, from Norton to Wichita, from Greensburg to Merriam and in between.  At 10 AM the doors opened to the public.

There was a chance to purchase signed copies of books of all genres. Western, mystery, poetry and children’s books were represented by several authors.  Two different authors had biographies about Kansas women.  There were nonfiction books about WW II and railroads.  Books about helping others with depression and how to deal with bullies were also represented.  Then there were books about growing up on Kansas farms and the lessons that were taught on them.  There was also a book on the Greensburg tornado.  There was a book for everyone.

Author Dan Yunk talks to children

Every hour there were numbers drawn to give away books by the authors in attendance.  A total of 36 books were given away. 

It was a great day for attendees and authors alike.  This ending has left the committee feeling jubilant and ready to tackle another year.  Follow ups to the festival can be seen on our Facebook fan page at http://tinyurl.com/29uwzhd  Coming soon to  www.sunflowerbookfest.com will be pictures of the authors and links to their interviews.  Mark your calendars for October 7th & 8th, 2011 for the next Sunflower State Book Festival.