Atchison Public Library

Goal: $10,000.00

Specific Need

This year we are aiming to raise funds for two separate projects: creating a Makerspace for all ages to tinker, build and create; and the installation of some garden-themed musical instruments in our courtyard/Monet's Garden area. Both of these projects will help us in our mission to bring the community together at the library.

Specifically, adding a small Makerspace to the library will encourage creativity and discovery. The space will have special hours of operation and will be monitored by a staff member during those hours. More importantly, the Makerspace will house supplies for various creative endeavors. Funds received from donors this Match Day will go toward purchasing a sewing machine, heat press, linocut supplies, digital illustration software, a computer, drawing tablet, laser cutter, various art supplies, and more. This space is targeting patrons over the age of 10 (in order to align with the library’s policy on unaccompanied minors), although family participation will be encoraged.

One of our goals in the children's library is to enrich learning through play. We would like to bring playful learning outside to the beautiful Monet's Garden space in our courtyard. We feel that the addition of outdoor musical instruments will enhance the courtyard and encourage more people to use it: "Outdoor musical instruments help enrich learning through playful, hands-on music exploration. A music garden or soundscape inspires creativity, self-expression, and early skill development - supporting children’s growth during their most important learning years."

-Quoting from Percussion Play Outdoor Musical Instruments.

Thank you for considering us!

Mission

The Atchison Public Library provides a safe and welcoming environment for all members of our community to read, think, learn and flourish. We curate and maintain resources for our patrons and for future generations.

Profile

The Atchison Library was established on April 23, 1879, in two upstairs rooms in the 600 block of Commercial Street. Our doors opened to patrons on November 21, 1879. In 1921, the Congregational Church gave the present building, constructed in 1896, to the Library Association. Using funds from the Muchnic family, the upstairs was remodeled and in 1956 the Children’s Library was added in the basement. The library was converted from a privately operated institution to a public library by a referendum for tax support in 1958. A major addition was added in 1985, increasing the sq. footage to just over 16,000 sq. feet.

In its current state, the Library provides a range of services available to the community, including regularly scheduled programming for all ages, computer and printing service, a large collection of books, videos and other media available for checkout, fax, notary and passport services, and areas for quiet study or public meetings. In addition, the library boasts an impressive collection of local history and genealogicalmaterials (housed in the lovely Kansas Room), and the newly-completed Monet’s Garden, which provides an outdoor oasis available to all. All of this and more awaits at the Atchison Public Library.