What a wonder

The No. 1 Wonder in the city of Hays, Kansas -- the Hays Public Library.

Every time I use the library, and that's frequently, I am amazed that such a beautiful, state of the are facility is available here in Hays.

As a library board member from the 1990s, I'm still surprised that the expansion ever took place.

Year after year, library board members and staff were presented with new directives from city and county officials:

* You must add on to what you have and do it cheaply.

* No, you should abandon the property and let it revert to Ellis county.

* Oh wait ... now you must invent a grand plan for an entirely new building to accompany a grand vision of a rec center, theater, community center, arts center and library all to be built at once.

* Hold it right there, you must wait for all the grand plans to be in place before asking the public to approve a library bond issue -- despite the fact that years ago the library director and board thoroughly researched the building architectural feasibilities, maintenance costs and operating budget.

Well, wait. Maybe our grand vision is fading ...

One "no" from the voters.

Continued refining of plans and design (Director Melanie Miller just never gave up).

More garnering of public support, donation drives and recruitment of influential citizens.

A sales tax proposal ... voila! A "yes"!

And a marvelous facility any city would be proud of. It truly is a wonder.

Thanks to the Hays Public Library, and special thanks to Melanie Miller whose vision of a fantastic library never wavered.

Kristin Bean

307 W. 39th