Patrons who step into Callaway’s Nigel Sprouse Memorial Library will immediately notice a new look and feel a revitalized energy thanks to new leadership, and the timing is right as the non-profit prepares for its annual Soup and Pie Fundraiser on Sunday, Feb.

1. These changes began appearing, especially, since November when Karen Snider was hired as full-time librarian. A resident of Callaway since 2023, Snider wanted a local, part time job that could benefit from her self-described obsession for organization and cleanliness. She also wanted to contribute to her new hometown, which she and her husband Doug discovered thanks to Kite Flight.

Beyond Snider’s new energy, the board, at its Jan.

15 meeting, elected retired library professional Judy Reiff as NSML Board President and voted onto the board CPS third grade teacher Kaylee Brogan, who is currently working toward her master’s degree in UNK's School Librarian Program. Reiff replaces Bob Lord, who retired from the board after eight years serving as NSML Board President. Other board action at last week’s meeting was the election of Shirley Trout as Vice President and re-election of Amber Harrison as Secretary-Treasurer. Verla Biel also was voted onto the board. Julie Johnson has served as a member-at-large since last summer.

“We see the library as a hub where community groups can enjoy gathering,” Trout said. “We are exploring a wide range of activities, from book clubs to plant repotting and from story times to a variety of classes of interest. We welcome further suggestions as people come in and see the changes Karen has made.”

Among the noticeable changes, already, are creatively arranged furniture that serve as welcoming conversation corners, the repositioned puzzle table that allows easier access, expanded book collections, and clever ways to display community children’s artwork. Snider also has organized the large collections

Cont. PAGE 7: Library Changes of jigsaw puzzles, DVDs and cake pans so patrons can access those more easily. She spends every spare minute entering more titles into the new computer the board was able to purchase through a grant received from the Callaway Community Foundation.

The board is grateful to the part-time employees and loyal volunteers who helped the library stay open since last spring, until Snider was hired. Regular library hours are Monday, Wednesday and Saturday, 9 a.m. - 1 p.m., and Friday 1-5 p.m.

The Feb. 1 Soup and Pie Luncheon at the Callaway Community Center, serving from 11 a.m. - 1 p.m., is the library’s primary annual fundraiser. Support is greatly appreciated so the library can continue to expand its services to the community for patrons of all ages.