Gov. Mark Parkinson recently announced the appointment of Joanne "Jo" Budler to the post of Kansas state librarian.

"We are very excited to welcome Jo to Kansas," said Parkinson in a press release. "Her 25 years of experience and leadership in state libraries will ensure that homes and schools across our state continue to receive the important services the Kansas State Library has to offer."

For the past five years, Budler has served as the Ohio state librarian. Previously, she was the deputy state librarian for the Library of Michigan and the director of Network Services and NEBASE, the state of Nebraska's Online Computer Library Center network. She has a master's in library science and a master's of fine arts in Writers' Workshop, both from the University of Iowa.

Budler will replace interim State Librarian Marc Galbriath, who served in the role since June after former State Librarian Christie Brandau announced her retirement.

The State Library of Kansas provides onsite and online information services for state and local governments, other state agencies, state legislators and legislative staff, local libraries and their users as well as Kansas citizens, residents and visitors. It shares resources and government information; delivers information and solutions; educates librarians and trustees; promotes literacy and reading for everyone; and advocates for open and equitable access, intellectual freedom and excellence in library services and support. The State Library's current mission is to deliver 21st century library services and resources to all Kansans.

Student art show

The 22nd Annual Student Art Show opens tomorrow and runs the entire month of March. A variety of artwork from the elementary and middle schools in Hays can be viewed by coming to the children's department during library hours.

For more information on activities this week at your Hays Public Library, go to our Web site, www.hayspublib.org

Friends of the Hays Public Library

Bookstore

Books, Etc, the bookstore of the Friends of the Hays Public Library, is open from 1 to 4 p.m. Monday and Tuesday and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Wednesday, Thursday and Friday. Members of the Friends continue to receive a 10-percent discount on all book purchases from the store.

Children's department

March is National Craft Month

The children's department will celebrate National Craft Month by having make-it-and-take-it crafts each day. A different craft will be available each week during library hours.

Story hours

Parents can enroll their children in one of the following sessions by calling the library at (785) 625-5916. The schedule is as follows:

* 3- to 6-year-olds: 10 to 10:30 a.m. Mondays and Thursdays; 7 to 7:30 p.m. Wednesdays.

* 2-year-olds: 10:45 to 11:05 a.m. Mondays and Tuesdays; 7 to 7:20 p.m. Tuesdays.

* Toddlers -- under the age of 2: 10:45 to 11 a.m. Wednesdays.

* All ages -- 2 to 2:30 p.m. Thursdays.

Wii Game Days

At 4 p.m. Mondays and Wednesdays, come and show off your Wii skills.

Book in a bag

At 4 p.m. Tuesday, join us for "A Plate Full of Color" by Georgia Perez.

Got bot

Susan Schlitching, 4-H and Youth Extension agent, will present a Got Bot robotics class for fourth- and fifth-graders at 4 p.m. Thursday. Participants will make a RCX Lego Mind Storm that teaches building and programming robots to meet challenges. Must register to attend.

Special Moments Through the Ages

Fridays at 10 a.m. Children must register to attend; limit 20 participants.

Chess lessons

Children can learn to play or improve their chess game during lessons at 4 p.m. Fridays in the children's department. Randy Brull will be the instructor. Please register to attend.

Adult department

Herb Study Group

Please join us at 5 p.m. Tuesday in the library gallery for a discussion on soil preparation.

Poet

Kein Rabas will read poetry at 5 p.m. in the library gallery.

Feed and Film

The films begin at 12:05 p.m. Wednesdays in the library's main floor gallery. They last about an hour. Bring your lunch and a cup -- coffee is provided. This week, join us for "Mysteries: Easter Island."

YA department

Weekly programs

All start at 3:30 p.m.

* Mondays -- STAGE Drama Club, board games and snacks.

* PS2 and Wii Tuesdays.

* Wavering Wednesdays -- something different each week.

* Make and Take Thursdays -- crafts and more.

* Friday -- movies and snacks.

Kansas Room

This month, we celebrate Black History Month with a book display on blacks in Kansas. The display cases will have a display on Buffalo soldiers and on African American baseball in Kansas.

Eric Norris is the adult department librarian at the Hays Public Library.