May 15 marks the start of National Police Week, and on May 11, fallen K-9 officers are honored in a national ceremony.

We’re honored to have Lawrence police officer Joshua Doncouse and his K-9 partner, Shadow, visiting the library at 6:30 p.m. Monday. You’ll get to learn more about what K-9 officers add to the police force and what it’s like to be their handler. Shadow is a dual purpose trained Belgian Malinois that was added to the Lawrence Police Department in 2022.

Participants will get a chance to also see demonstrations with Officer Doncouse and Shadow.

Summer reading starts this month

We’re throwing a party to start this year’s Summer Reading program!

Join us for a big kick-off carnival at 6:30 p.m. May 18. We’ll have a bounce house, games, activities and food. Everything is free!

This year the theme for Summer Reading is Camp Read S’mores. There are a ton of activities and programs throughout June and July.

Registration is officially open and can be done on our website at tonganoxielibrary.org or at the library.

The adult summer reading program will officially launch on May 19. While participants don’t have to register, they will be immersed in a thrilling summer of suspense. The library coordinates with six other area libraries for the One Book Many Neighbors program where you will read short stories and have the chance to attend various programs at each library as well as an end party at Kane Family Farm. More information will be released soon!

Farmers Market begins Thursday

The Farmers Market will once again be back in the library’s parking lot on Thursday evenings beginning in May.

The first night of the market will be 5-8 p.m. Thursday and it will run through the growing season until Oct. 12.

Yard Sale

There will be a yard sale 8 a.m.-noon May 20 here at the library.

Weather permitting, it will be outdoors, but it will move indoors to the Community Room if it rains. All proceeds raised will be donated to the Friends of the Tonganoxie Public Library. If you have items you’d like to donate to the sale, you can drop them off at the library on May 19. Any items left over after the sale will be donated.

— Kim Downing is circulation coordinator at Tonganoxie Public Library.