Time is running out! ⏳ Your last chance to see the captivating Charles B. Rogers art collection at the Great Bend Public Library is this Friday, August 29th, with a special reception from 3-5 p.m. Plus, exciting new fall programs are just around the corner, from free library card replacements to thrilling tabletop game adventures. What will you discover next?
The renowned Charles B. Rogers art collection, a treasured loan from Barton Community College’s Shafer Art Gallery, is nearing its conclusion at the Great Bend Public Library, offering patrons a final opportunity to immerse themselves in the works of a celebrated local artist. This highly anticipated art exhibit, which has captivated visitors with its diverse array of paintings, printmaking, and intricate crafts, will officially close its doors on Friday, August 29th, marking the end of a significant cultural event for the community.
To commemorate the exhibition’s successful run, the Great Bend Public Library is hosting a special reception on its final day, Friday, August 29, from 3-5 p.m. This exclusive event provides a unique chance for art enthusiasts and curious community members alike to engage directly with representatives from the Shafer Art Gallery, who will be on hand to discuss the featured artworks and offer deeper insights into Rogers’ artistic legacy. Attendees can also anticipate light refreshments and beverages, creating a convivial atmosphere for appreciating the collection as part of wider community events.
Beyond the celebrated art display, the Great Bend Public Library is also gearing up for a vibrant autumn season, kicking off with National Library Card Sign-Up Month in September. Recognizing the importance of accessibility, the library will generously offer free library card replacements throughout the entire month, encouraging patrons to renew their connection with its vast resources or to acquire a new card if theirs has been lost or damaged. This initiative underscores the Great Bend Library’s commitment to fostering literacy and community engagement.
Fall programs are set to commence with a focus on early childhood development, introducing the return of beloved “Baby Bounce” and “Early Literacy Story Times” next Tuesday. “Baby Bounce,” designed for infants aged 0-2, encourages lap reading, rhymes, music, and gentle motion, followed by dedicated tummy time and free play, allowing parents and caregivers to connect. Directly following, “Early Literacy Story Time” caters to 3-5-year-olds with a dynamic blend of storytelling, finger plays, songs, and art, with every participating child entering a drawing for a free book, fostering a love for reading from a young age.
For culinary enthusiasts, the popular “Delicious Dishes” series makes its return on Thursday, September 4, at 6 p.m. This month’s session promises an exciting exploration into re-creating and personalizing popular restaurant recipes, offering participants practical skills and creative inspiration for their own kitchens. Open to all ages, this engaging class invites families to participate, though children under ten are kindly requested to be accompanied by a responsible guardian aged 16 or older to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for all.
Addressing the growing interest in interactive storytelling, the Great Bend Library is launching a new “Tabletop Teens” miniseries this fall, specifically tailored for students in grades 6-12 who are eager to delve into the world of tabletop games. Starting September 12, on select Fridays from 4-7:15 p.m., participants will enter “The Nexus,” an extradimensional warzone where the lines between fantasy and sci-fi blur. This unique setting will challenge six space-faring adventurers to collaborate, navigate complex scenarios, and confront unexpected adversaries, including enigmatic space jellyfish.
Aspiring players are encouraged to visit the Great Bend Public Library’s website for comprehensive details and to secure their spot for this exciting miniseries, as registration is required for active participation. While a limited number of player slots are available and will be filled on a first-come, first-served basis, with a waitlist for those not immediately placed, all teens are warmly invited to attend as audience members to observe the unfolding narratives and immerse themselves in the vibrant world of tabletop gaming. This initiative provides a welcoming entry point for newcomers and a fresh adventure for experienced players, enriching the library’s offerings for its younger patrons through diverse community events.
