In 1876, tucked within celebrations of the nations first centennial, Humboldt residents took steps to embrace a community need. The Humboldt Library Association was formed.
Soon books, at that time more an endowment of the entitled, became available to enhance literacy in the town that had suffered the rigor of the Civil War, including being burned in October 1861.
Humboldt today is as progressive as any community, including with education and attention to social graces.
Later this month Humboldts upscale library, an earlier demonstration of can-do local pride, will celebrate its 30th anniversary.
Librarian Melinda Herder, unpretentious to a fault, has been on board since 1992 and has seen changes dictated by technological advances.
There was a time when a library was quiet as a tomb and only a source of the printed word.
Not today.
Tuesday afternoon several students arrived shortly after 1 oclock, frolicked about and didnt draw a single quiet! much less a disapproving look from Melinda. They come every week; she is happy they do. Anything to pique interest, particularly of those who may become patrons.
Neatly arranged near the front desk are full sets of reference books, including the legendary Encyclopedia Britannica. Used much? No, Melinda replied, victims of technology.
Kids dont do research papers much anymore and when they do, they find information they need on the internet, frequently tapping into facts on the quick with devices they carry. A few older patrons occasionally cozy up with a thick research book, but thats about it.
A journal on the front counter lists names of people who have come to use library computers; theres a time limit, 30 minutes, to ensure eclectic use.
The library has 22,000 books 12,000 more than when the current venue opened and what isnt in the stacks may be obtained within a matter of days through the 47-member Southeast Kansas Library System. If that meets a roadblock, Melinda may find a volume from a statewide search, or libraries in other states.
Preschool kids and adults make up the bulk of those who visit regularly. Melinda gives special attention to young readers, including story hours, in hopes of capturing their attention for a lifetime.
DVDs the library has 1,400 titles and Blu-Ray movies are popular. We are the only source for those in Humboldt, Melinda said, of the home entertainment.
The librarys 3,000 square feet limits what Melinda and her staff can make available, but they often consider ways to meet the needs of patrons.
Examples elsewhere are loanable art work in Iola and fishing poles at a library in Burlington, within hailing distance of Redmond Reservoir.
A local research perk is Humboldt Union microfilm is being digitized for easier viewing.
