Parking and reading: New addition gives library an outdoors feel

Kimball librarian Carla Asfeld quoted from the Disney movie Aladdin, “We have ‘Phenomen-al cosmic power, [in an] itty bitty living space.’” This quote fits the library well. The Kimball Public Library houses many different items and can request just about anything a patron would want. From books and CDs to movies and the internet, it is all available at the library. A current addition adds more space for library services. The new children’s area was completed this May. The addition gives children their own place to sit and read, play at the children’s workbench or make floor puzzles. The expansion also makes the library better overall. “The expansion really has spread everything out and given us more space,” Asfeld said. With the children’s material moved to the back of the library, more shelving is available for large-print books and sound recordings. There was extra room in the front to make a study area. One of the most eye-catching parts of the remodeling is the park scene painted on the back wall. With a big tree, grassy area and river running through, the painting makes patrons feel as if they are outdoors. “People feel like the library is much bigger because of the mural,” said Asfeld. The “park” comes complete with a bench, street light and white picket fence. Soon, a park bench will double as a toy cabinet with new toys donated by Friends Of the Library (FOL). “We are just waiting for a new hinge [to make the bench safe for children],” Asfeld said. A vision became realty “The mural was headed up by Brenda Arnold,” Asfeld said. “She knew different people who could help paint the scene.” Arnold rounded up the artistic talents of Donna VanVleet who sketched the scene and completed some of the painting. Joy Mix assisted in painting and added on the tree branches. Arnold noted that many people have commented on how beautiful the painting is and how much it adds to the library. A community effort The new expansion was completed with help from different community members.   The original concept of an addition was approved by the previous city council. Kimball Library credits former mayor Cindy Stelten and Councilmember Andy Maus for leadership on the project. The council approved the expansion last June but work was not started until this January. “We were just too busy with the summer reading program [when it was approved],” Asfeld said. An existing wall had to be removed to allow for the expansion. David and Robyn Frank, Barb and Christy Pladson, Teresa Mertens and Mike Simacek moved books and relocated shelves so they would be out of the way. The wall was torn down by city workers Brent Neisinger and Dan Dawson. Area resident Neil Hillary assisted with the process. With the wall down, library patrons David and Robyn Frank, Joe Asfeld, Sue Maus, Margaret Arnold and their children helped move the children’s books and supplies to the new location. Dennis Finger of Finger Electric donated and installed the lights while Dennis Loewen helped put together the shelving units. Supplies for the units were purchased at cost from Theisen Building Supply. Remodeling makes the library a “stop and shop” “We used to be like a quick stop or a drive-thru. People would stop in, get their stuff and leave,” Asfeld said. “Now people can come in, sit down and read the paper. There is more room for people to enjoy the library.” Kimball Public Library is located downtown Kimball in City Hall. The library is open Monday 2-6 p.m., Wednesday 10 a.m.-1 p.m. and 2-6 p.m., Thursday 2-8 p.m., Friday 2-6 p.m. and Saturday 9 a.m.-1 p.m.