5 Must-Know Updates: The Baldwin City KS Library’s New Director, 2025 Programs, And Future Vision
The Baldwin City Public Library in Baldwin City, Kansas, continues its mission as a vital community hub, offering far more than just books. As of late 2025, the library is focused on expanding its programming, enhancing its digital resources, and serving as a key center for lifelong learning in Douglas County. The most significant recent update is the appointment of a new director, signaling a fresh chapter for the institution that first opened its current building in 1992.
This article provides an in-depth look at the library’s current status, including its leadership, operating hours, and a full breakdown of the programs and services that are making it an essential resource for residents of all ages. From children's clubs to adult tech workshops, the Baldwin City Library is actively evolving to meet the modern needs of its patrons.
Meet the New Director: Lisa LaFountain's Profile and Vision
Following a regional search, the Baldwin City Public Library welcomed Lisa LaFountain as its new Library Director, marking a key leadership transition. Her appointment has been a major focus in local news, including the Spring & Summer 2024 issue of "Baldwin City Living." LaFountain is tasked with leading the library’s mission to inspire, educate, and provide essential resources to the community.
Lisa LaFountain: Director Biography Highlights
- Current Role: Library Director for the Baldwin City Public Library.
- Appointment: Welcomed after a regional search to lead the library's mission.
- Key Policy Involvement: Has been a vocal part of the library's initiative to become "Fine Free," a policy that helps remove barriers to access for all patrons.
- Community Focus: Her leadership aims to enhance and support lifelong learning and personal enrichment for Baldwin City residents.
- Local Presence: Featured in local publications, highlighting her commitment to the Baldwin City community.
LaFountain's leadership is expected to build upon the library's strong foundation, focusing on modern services and accessibility, ensuring the library remains a vital gateway to information for everyone.
The Baldwin City Library’s Essential Services and Hours
The Baldwin City Public Library, located at 800 7th St, Baldwin City, KS, operates as a comprehensive resource center for the community. It is a proud member of the Northeast Kansas Library System, which expands the resources available to its patrons.
Current Operating Hours and Contact Information
The library maintains consistent hours to accommodate various schedules, making it accessible to students, families, and working professionals:
- Monday – Thursday: 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM
- Friday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Saturday: 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM
- Sunday: Closed
For inquiries, patrons can reach the library at 785-594-3411 or visit the physical location.
Key Resources Available to Patrons
Beyond traditional book lending, the library offers a diverse range of materials and services to support education and leisure:
- Physical Collections: A large selection of books and movies for all ages.
- Digital Materials: Extensive access to digital resources, including e-books, audiobooks, and online databases.
- Local History Room: A dedicated resource for researchers and genealogists interested in the rich history of Baldwin City and the surrounding Douglas County area.
- Fine Free Policy: The library has adopted a "Fine Free" policy to eliminate overdue fines, promoting greater equity and access to library services for all residents.
- Educational Integration: The library works closely with USD 348 School Libraries, which use a web-based system called Destiny, allowing for seamless resource searching between the public and school systems.
Exciting Programs and Events for 2025
The Baldwin City Library’s calendar for 2025 is packed with engaging programs designed to serve different age groups and interests, reinforcing its role as a dynamic community center. These events focus on creativity, technology, and literacy.
Youth and Teen Programming
The library is committed to providing a safe and stimulating environment for young patrons with several dedicated clubs:
- Bullpup Club: A program designed for younger children, often featuring themed activities like "Collage like Van Gogh."
- Bulldog Club: Catering to slightly older children or teens, this club also features activities like artistic collage projects.
- Game Time: Regular sessions dedicated to board games and other fun activities, encouraging social interaction and strategic thinking.
- Children's Arts & Crafts Room: Dedicated time for creative expression, such as the activity scheduled for late December 2025.
- Summer Reading Program: A major annual initiative, with the last day for tracker sheets typically falling in late July.
Adult and Community Engagement
Adults have numerous opportunities for personal enrichment, skill development, and community connection:
- BookTALK: A popular book club or discussion group, with topics such as "No Place Like Home" scheduled for November 2025.
- Tech Time: Crucial workshops designed to help patrons improve their digital literacy, covering everything from basic computer skills to utilizing the library’s digital materials.
- Craft Your Stress Away: A creative program offering a relaxing outlet for adults to engage in various crafts.
- Knit 1, Purl 1, and Crochet 2: A group for fiber arts enthusiasts to meet, work on projects, and share skills.
- Library Board of Trustees Meeting: Regular public meetings where the community can stay informed about the library's governance and future direction.
Historical Context and Future Outlook
The Baldwin City Public Library has a rich history that reflects the town's growth. The current building, a significant community achievement, was officially opened in September 1992, with books moved into the new facility via a memorable "human chain." By 2013, due to the community's expanding needs, plans were already being discussed to potentially expand the library's physical footprint.
The Vision for Tomorrow
While a major expansion project is not currently announced as completed, the library is focused on internal growth and modernization under the new leadership of Lisa LaFountain. The ongoing efforts to seek a new Board Member in late 2025 demonstrate the commitment to strong governance and community involvement in the library's future. The library's focus on digital materials, lifelong learning, and a Fine Free policy suggests a forward-thinking approach aimed at maximizing accessibility and relevance in the digital age. The library remains dedicated to its mission as a crucial educational and cultural anchor in Baldwin City, Kansas.
Detail Author:
- Name : Miss Autumn Dach I
- Username : kihn.willie
- Email : rowena65@oberbrunner.com
- Birthdate : 2001-01-04
- Address : 3848 Fritz Falls Lake Vincenza, CO 70143-5979
- Phone : +1.726.255.3212
- Company : Heidenreich-Monahan
- Job : Security Guard
- Bio : Maiores enim saepe ducimus laboriosam adipisci eum. Blanditiis earum officiis magnam modi earum dolore animi aut. Cupiditate impedit ut enim est consequatur vel.
Socials
twitter:
- url : https://twitter.com/mandy3765
- username : mandy3765
- bio : Facilis veniam laboriosam qui eveniet repellendus. Nobis dolor possimus magnam. Voluptas velit voluptatem non id perspiciatis.
- followers : 4208
- following : 2677
linkedin:
- url : https://linkedin.com/in/mandygorczany
- username : mandygorczany
- bio : In ducimus maxime numquam aut doloremque.
- followers : 6136
- following : 1118
instagram:
- url : https://instagram.com/mandy_xx
- username : mandy_xx
- bio : Quo iusto amet expedita et accusantium rem. Vel enim consequatur corporis aut dolor aut est.
- followers : 3662
- following : 1007
tiktok:
- url : https://tiktok.com/@mandy273
- username : mandy273
- bio : Non enim deleniti aliquam ut nam autem facilis quia.
- followers : 3794
- following : 27
facebook:
- url : https://facebook.com/mandy4077
- username : mandy4077
- bio : Repudiandae similique laudantium omnis necessitatibus optio dolores totam.
- followers : 729
- following : 307
