MORAN — On a recent afternoon Cindy Chalker, like a kid at Christmastime, eagerly opened a large box. A dozen books tumbled onto a table at Moran Public Library.
“They’re from Kansas Notable Books,” an adjunct of the Kansas State Library, said Chalker, who took reins as Moran librarian in April.
The books, all new and related by author or topic to Kansas, came only with the stipulation that postage be paid. It’s a way for the state library to help small libraries — such as Moran’s — have a rotation of new books for local readers.
Chalker, retired from 39 years in education, also has ideas about how to make the library a vital part of everyday Moran. The immediate obstacle is space, one that will be alleviated soon.
City council members agreed to purchase the First Baptist Church, a metal building within a stone’s throw of the current library’s rear door, for $45,000. The church is building a new sanctuary. The purchase agreement gives the city occupancy of the older church on July 1.
Chalker is euphoric about having spacious quarters, and is making plans for how the library may attract more users.
TO CHALKER, a library should be about more than books and tapes. “I want to get the community involved,” Chalker said. She thinks it should have a role in providing educational and leisure opportunities for young, old and everyone in between.
With the larger building, a part may be used for meetings and events. Any time it is open, those so disposed will be welcome to do needle work and crafts, or just sit and chat. Kids looking for an outlet will have a place to play games or attack coloring books with a fistful of crayons.
Having teenagers give young kids a chance to learn something new and different is a dream of Chalker’s, as are any number of activities that will come to mind after the move is made. Reading programs for the young will be given.
The library already has “quite a few large-print books,” of advantage for people whose eyesight isn’t too keen because of age or disabilities. “We also have a good collection of Western books,” which have proved popular. Chalker always is looking for more, of any genre.
On the day the state library package arrived, she noted a large box of paperback books someone had dropped by. She accepts donations without reservation.
The library can tap into a vast number of titles and authors through the Southeast Kansas Library System, as well.
Being a librarian in a small community is similar to what Chalker did during her professional life. For 39 years she was a teacher in a variety of venues.
After tutoring elementary and middle school students and then high school English, Chalker returned to her alma mater, Wichita State University, to become certified to teach special education students. Following that was 10 years in Wichita and 18 years in California in high school probation settings and community day schools.
