Riverside Public Library celebrated 25 years of serving their communities on July 17, 2024. They opened their doors on this day in 1999. Former employees as well as long-time regular patrons, and even someone new to the area stopping by to get their first KCPL library card, joined the Riverside and Bookmobile staff and their "A Team" of VolunTEENs for cake, crafts, and connection.
Some people in attendance were there that very day the Library opened, including J.D. Waggoner, who was working with the WV Library Commission at the time; he dropped by with his family. Current Program Outreach Coordinator Nina Bess, who has worked for the KCPL system for 21 of those 25 years, got the chance to catch up with former employees Debbie Edelman (retired from Bookmobile), Traletta Wallace (retired from Riverside), Mickey Roark (retired from Riverside), and Jane Hicks (retired from Bookmobile).
A beautiful flower bouquet donned the receiving table, sent by Riverside's first Branch Manager Toni Blessing, the mother of current Library Assistant Andrew Blessing, to the staff in her stead. Current Bookmobile Services Coordinator Lynn McCallister and Specialist Mary Hudnall enjoyed connecting with their patrons and coworkers in the Library proper, as their Bookmobile office is clear across the other side of Riverside High School's campus!
Families guessed the number of beads in a jar, answered trivia questions, painted wooden seahorse and sailboat ornaments, picked up Summer Library Club prizes, and stamped their "passports" with new countries and continents. By the end of the day, every piece of cake was accounted for. We finally found out how many beads were in the jar (1,200, with 25 silver for their silver anniversary), and Nina taught me the true value of not giving up.
As the event drew to a close, I helped them pack up supplies and wrangle bits of cake off the carpet. Branch Administrative Specialist Ivy Jackson prepped delivery and pulled holds while Andrew held down the circulation desk, assisting patrons with accounts, materials, and new library cards. It was a very special day, but also a very regular day, taking out the trash and helping people find what they are looking for.
A round of applause and toasts all ‘round for this hard-working team! Silver looks good on you. May you continue to take the best care of yourselves. You are a source of strength. You are genuine and generous. You are a gathering place.
Text and photography © Jai Arun Ravine (2024)