The exhibit, which will remain through Oct. 12, features photos of memories made at the library since its official opening on Sept. 29, 1968.
The exhibit details dates from throughout the library’s history, including in 1965 when voters approved the issuance of a bond that helped build the current facility.
Salinan JoAnn Neuman recalls the “snowy and exciting” day that year when it was announced that voters had approved the bond.
“My household was probably the happiest home in Salina that day,” she said. Neuman, the widow of Richard “Dick” Neuman, the first director of the Salina Public Library at its current location, said her husband was thrilled “to see his vision becoming possible.”
Twice a charm
Bob Hansmann, a member of the library’s board at the time the bond was approved, said the bond was not initially approved by voters.
“They rejected the bond the first time, but we came back with another one about two or so years later and it passed handily,” he said.
Neuman said the difference was her husband and the board members at the time decided to canvas for support.
“They started to go around from business to business to get as many people to support them as possible,” she said.
(Read more: News – Salina Journal)