May means the start of warmer weather and the Farmers Market, which will be back in the library’s parking lot starting next week.

The first market of 2025 will be 5-8 p.m. May 8. There will be returning vendors such as Thompson’s Home Grown Produce, Daniel’s Bar-B-Q Sauce and Next to Nature Farm plus many more along with new vendors, food trucks, and entertainment throughout the season. Each week brings new offerings! The market is open every Thursday until October. To see what to expect each week or learn more, check out the Tonganoxie Farmers Market Facebook group page.

Playtime for adults!

The library is offering something new this month, and it’s just for adults!

Every Thursday morning at 10 a.m. beginning on May 8, adults will have the chance to do something fun and just for them. Each week will offer something different, but participants will have a chance to craft, color, and play cribbage. Check out the library’s website at www.tonganoxielibrary.org to see which week will feature a particular activity.

Food demo program happening soon

It’s almost time for our next Knowledge @ Noon program! Starting at noon May 13, join us for a program all about milk. We’ll take a look at the different kinds of dairy milk as well as alternative milks, but then you’ll be treated to a variety of recipes, both sweet and savory, which include various milks, such as tres leches cake. See a live food demo from the K-State Research and Extension Master Food experts and try out food samples.

Recipes to try at home will be included. No registration required to attend.

Advanced planning program coming up

If something were to happen to you tomorrow, would your family know what you want?

This is an important topic to think about at any age, and at 6:30 p.m. May 14, we’ll do a deep dive into advanced planning with Mercedes Schlapper from St. Croix Hospice. She’ll lead us through how to evaluate your personal values and wishes, healthcare concerns and more.

Learn what you need to have and how to do it, so you’ll be protected when the time comes.

Summer Reading is fast approaching!

The end of school is always the start of Summer Reading, and this year is no different!

This year’s theme is “Color Our World,” and we have a summer planned that is packed full of activities for youths of all ages, many featuring craft or art themes. From 5-7:30 p.m. May 15, we’ll kick it all off with a big party at the library featuring a bounce house, face painting, hot dogs, prizes and more. Plus, kids can get signed up for the Summer Reading program and pick up their supplies.

— Kim Downing is assistant director/circulation coordinator at Tonganoxie Public Library. She can be reached at kimd@tonganoxielibrary.org or 913-845-3281.