Library News 6-26-25
Color Our World Adult Program
Every Color Has a Story: History on the Palette
Tuesday, July 1 | 7-8 p.m. | on Zoom*
*Watch with us in the Jahn Room or participate from home
Zoom link: https://tinyurl.com/every-color 
One Book, Many Neighbors participants: Bring your paint palette passport!
 
 Do you know the history of the colors in your world? All the tints,
hues, dyes, and shades of the colors around you can be traced back to a
specific point in history - and the stories they tell are amazing! Which came
first – the fruit orange or the color orange? Was Lincoln Green named after
Mary Lincoln? This Illustrated Lecture will share with you the
powerful - and colorful! - history of color. 
 
Presenter Laura Keyes graduated from UW-Madison with a Master’s Degree in Library Studies, and has been presenting on historic topics for over fourteen years. In her non-existent spare time, Laura is a wonderful baker and accomplished vocalist. Laura is currently a Library Director in Central Illinois.
Upcoming Holiday
The Library will be closed on Friday, July 4 for Independence Day.
Freedom to Read
We have posted the following information before, but we are sharing it
again due to ongoing criticism from some elected officials about certain 
books on display and in our collection. Despite their claims that we are
"pushing an agenda" by offering certain types of books which they say are
not age appropriate, our library has a professionally curated, balanced,
diverse collection of thousands and thousands of books that are age
appropriate and of interest to children and their parents. 
We believe it is up to parents to decide what books their children read. 
This is the only "agenda" we have here at the library. 
 
 Library Bill of Rights
One of the greatest aspects of our nation’s social and political history is our rock solid determination to have open discussion, the free exchange of ideas and opinions. People shouldn’t go to jail for expressing dissent, reading certain books or openly disagreeing with the powerful, in writing or otherwise. The First Amendment is first for a good reason. How can a democracy exist if free speech is criminalized?
 
Libraries have their own version of the Bill of Rights, adopted by The American Library Association (ALA) on June 19, 1939. Although the original document focused on unbiased book selection, a balanced collection and open meeting rooms, it reflected concerns with Nazi Germany’s intolerance for freedom of speech and expression. The preamble to the first document stated, “Today, indications in many parts of the world point to growing intolerance, suppression of free speech, and censorship affecting the rights of minorities and individuals…”
 
Here at the Leavenworth Public Library, we use the Library Bill of Rights to help guide services to all members of the community. They are a standard in the business and truly represent fundamental American values like the freedom of information, equality and free speech. They are clear, easy to understand and have kept up with the times.
 
Library Bill of Rights
I. Books and other library resources should be provided for the interest, information, and enlightenment of all people of the community the library serves. Materials should not be excluded because of the origin, background, or views of those contributing to their creation.
 
II. Libraries should provide materials and information presenting all points of view on current and historical issues. Materials should not be proscribed or removed because of partisan or doctrinal disapproval.
 
III. Libraries should challenge censorship in the fulfillment of their responsibility to provide information and enlightenment.
 
IV. Libraries should cooperate with all persons and groups concerned with resisting abridgment of free expression and free access to ideas.
 
V. A person’s right to use a library should not be denied or abridged because of origin, age, background, or views.
 
VI. Libraries which make exhibit spaces and meeting rooms available to the public they serve should make such facilities available on an equitable basis, regardless of the beliefs or affiliations of individuals or groups requesting their use.
Teen Cuisine
This week, teens are learning some basic food preparation techniques
and important life skills to promote optimal health. Many thanks to
K-State Research & Extension and TRIO for offering this interactive,
fun and informative class for area youth.
Ongoing Pre-K Programs
Pre-K Playtime
Age 5 & under
Every Monday | 10 a.m.-12 p.m. | East Room
Join us for a fun and relaxed playtime where parents and preschoolers can connect in an open-play environment. Drop in to explore a variety of educational toys and games. It's the perfect opportunity to socialize, make new friends, and
have a great time together!
Storytime
Age 5 & under
Every Tuesday |10-11 a.m. | East Room
Join us for an interactive storytime with books, songs, and activities that build early literacy skills like vocabulary, listening, and social skills. Perfect for little ones to enjoy and learn in a fun, engaging environment!
Wiggle Workshop
Age 5 & under
Every Friday | 10-11 a.m. | Jahn Room
Get ready to move and groove! This interactive program is packed with fun songs and dance that encourage movement and creativity. A perfect way for kids to burn energy, make friends, and have fun while building important motor skills!
Leavenworth Public Library
417 Spruce Street | Leavenworth, Kansas 66048 | 913-682-5666
leavenworthpubliclibrary.org