Library board weighs fountain’s future, hears of $5,000 literacy grant

Pioneer Memorial Library trustees discussed the future of the library’s aging fountain, received an update on a new portable StoryWalk project and reviewed several facility improvements during their Sept. 15 meeting.

The fountain’s pump recently seized and has been taken to Western Sprinkler for evaluation. Library Director Melany Wilks said the pump dates to 2007 and appears to have failed shortly after a recent power disruption. The cost of repairing or replacing it was not yet known.

Trustees agreed to wait for an estimate before making a decision but discussed whether the library should undertake a complete fountain renovation or convert the structure into a stationary outdoor display.

Any restoration would need to address the pump, electrical system, water quality and the possible installation of a water softener. Wilks said another possibility would be to clean and bronze the fountain, secure its moving parts and illuminate it as a sculpture honoring its history.

Board members acknowledged the fountain’s sentimental value to residents who remember it from its original location. They said any decision should provide a long-term solution rather than require another round of major repairs within a few years. Money remains designated for the fountain, although the original gift agreement allows the board to remove it and use the remaining funds for books if continued maintenance is no longer worthwhile.

Trustees also learned that Pioneer Memorial Library has received a $5,000 Slice of Literacy Grant from the Pizza Hut Foundation. The award will fund a “Roaming Reads Portable StoryWalk,” allowing the library to display a children’s story page by page at parks, schools, festivals and other community events.

The project was inspired by Judy Kleinsorge’s advocacy for early literacy and her work bringing StoryWalks to Kansas. Library staff plan to begin purchasing and assembling the portable display this fall. Although it will primarily be used in Colby parks, its design will allow it to travel throughout Thomas County.

Wilks also reported progress on the library’s new Springshare online platform. The system is available internally, and employees are building the events calendar, room-booking features and other website content before making it public. The library will initially use the LibSites and LibCal portions of the platform.

Implementation of the LibStaffer scheduling component has been postponed until next year while staff determine whether it would provide enough benefit over the library’s existing scheduling software. Delaying that portion will save approximately $600 this year.

Acoustic ceiling tiles installed in the library basement are already reducing noise from the Youth Activity Center. Staff members said the tiles have been especially effective at keeping sound from after-school activities in the basement instead of allowing it to travel through the rest of the building. The center typically serves about 30 children at a time, with activities ranging from crafts and computer use to basketball.

The Youth Activity Center has 87 registered participants for the 2026-27 school year, including 20 students new to the program. Third- and fourth-grade students account for 44% of enrollment.

The library’s children and youth report also highlighted a summer learning program that registered 110 young people. Fifty-seven actively participated, and 43 completed the program. Early-childhood, children’s and all-ages programs recorded more than 900 attendance visits during the summer. A new Baby & Me Storytime series drew 138 attendees over six weeks.

Library staff are expanding bilingual services as well. Baby Bilingüe has transitioned into a bilingual storytime, while the library’s first fall Spanish class drew seven participants. English as a Second Language classes continue Thursday evenings.

Later in September, the library plans to feature a Dolly Parton-themed display and activities promoting Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library, which provides books to participating children.

Wilks reported that work on the library elevator has been completed, including installation and testing of a heat sensor and door restrictor. The library is awaiting final certification.

Trustees are also exploring options for a future elevator maintenance contract. Travel charges can significantly increase service costs because technicians come from outside the area. Board members suggested finding out which companies maintain elevators at other Colby facilities in hopes of coordinating service visits and reducing travel expenses. KONE was among the companies discussed.

The board approved its consent agenda, including previous meeting minutes, financial reports and payroll. Financial records for Aug. 12 through Sept. 9 showed ending bank balances totaling $231,011.66.

Trustees also received thank-you notes from Heartland Christian School after its kindergarten class visited the library for storytime and tour.

No new business was brought before the board, and the meeting was adjourned.