By: NICOLAS FIERRO
Salina Post
The Salina Public Library (SPL) celebrated the grand opening of the Re-Imagining Our Library Youth Services space after two years in the making.
On Friday morning, SPL staff, donors, community leaders and the general public gathered to celebrate the remodel of the library's youth services space, located on the basement level.
SPL Director Melanie Hedgespeth said this project was guided by a clear purpose: To create a welcoming and flexible environment where young people can grow, and families can feel respected and supported.
"This is the beginning of new discoveries and programs for families," she said.
She also said this project would not have happened without the support and dedication that many people have contributed. Hedgespeth extended her sincere gratitude to SPL staff for their dedication, creativity and thoughtful input throughout the remodel process.
Hedgespeth gave a personal shoutout to Amy Adams: Assistant Director, Amanda Little: Head of Youth Services, Emilio: Head of Security, Darla: Head of HR & Business Services, Allyson Walker: Head of Fundraising and Development, Hanna: Head of Technology & Jeremy: Head of Maintenance, while also recognizing Hutton Construction.
"I am so excited to see this space come alive," said Little.
SPL allowed the youth to benefit from a special giveaway on the day of the grand opening.
Other ways the SPL raised funds for the project included the first-ever Adult Spelling Bee Showdown, which took place in July 2025 & the Bookend the Campaign.
Over 300 donors helped raise almost $2 million.
List of donors:
Benefactor: $100,000+
Earl Bane Foundation, Don C. & Florence M. McCune Foundation, Mildred & Rolland Middlekauff Foundation, Robert & Aileen Button Fund
Supporter: $15,000 - $99,000
Blue Beacon Inc., Dane G. Hansen Foundation, Friends of the Salina Public Library
Ally: $1,000 - $14,000
Bennington State Bank, Doug Morgan & Linda Smittle, Dr. Gary & Mary Anne Weiner, Dr. Steven Tenny & Veronique Stough, Eaglecrest Retirement Community, Elizabeth & Robert Garrison, Erik, Karen & Brooks Bonar, Evergy, Exline Inc., Fund for Early Childhood Care Education & Development, Gary & Karen Stansberry, Great Plain Manufacturing Inc., Greater Salina Community Foundation, In Honor of the Kelsey Heller Family, In Memory of Ann Burgess, John & Kristin Gunn, Joyce Pigge, JRI Hospitality, Julie Christensen, Kumer Family Fund, Lynne Ryan, Mac Steele, Marshall P. & Janice Stanton, Matt & Kristen Dill, Michael Walsh, Mike & Debbie Berkley, Modern Woodmen, Morrison Foundation, Nancy Hampton, REPCO, Rhonda Cash, Robert & Nancy Pendleton, Rose Hieger, Ryan & Lisa Mahler, Salina Downtown Lions Club, Salina Family Healthcare Center, Salina Regional Health Foundation, Sarah Buechel, Superior Contracting & Manufacturing Services Co., The Bank of Tescott, Tim & Pat Ault Duell, Verla Nesbitt Joscelyn Foundation, Zimmerman Family Foundation
Contributor: $100 - $999
Ad Astra Books & Coffee House, Allyson Ronning, Allyson Walker & Seth Mangus, Amy & Chris Adams, Ann Nowlin, Bank of the Plains, Baylee Kampfe, Ben & Aubrey Fetherston, Betsy Scholten, Braeden & Dana Johnson, Brian & Judy Weisel, Brian & Julie Richardson, ByWater Solutions, Chuck & Brenda Cook, Connor & Emily Bounds, Dalton & Kristy Hartley, Dan & Jennifer Stutterheim, David & Michael Freeland, Deb & Eric Kohn, Debbie Toll, Donna Kastl, Doug & Sarah Alt, Dr. Michael & Dineel Grant, Dr. Natalie Morgan, Dupy Family, Eloise Hodgson Lynch Charitable Fund, Equity Bank, Exchange Bank, Gabe Grant, Gary & Susan Williams, Gerry Cox, Gloria Battin, Great Plains Federal Credit Union, Hannebaum Grain Co. Inc., Hillary Richards, Hutton Construction, In Honor of Alice Potts, In Honor of Doris McDiffett & Vonnie Siegrist Lloyd, In Honor of Ron Price, In Honor of Susan Ravenkamp Jamison, In Memory of Patricia Bartels, In Memory Theresa & William Buechel, James & Tandis Peterson, James Cram, Jane M. Yake, Janet Suelter, Janet Winter, Jarred Green & Sheila Shaffer, Jeffrey & Paula Know, Joe & Mary Lou McKenzie, Joel & Diana Looney, John & Shannon Kingsley, Joe Isin, Judy Marshall, Karen & Rod Meier, Karen Scott, Karilea Jungel, Karla & Jeff Waters, Karma & Max Deforest, Ken & Amy Stonebraker, Kevin & Stephanie Cool, Kristi Herr, Kristin & David Van Tassel, Larry Myers & Diana Stewart, Laura & Brent Rhodenbaugh, Linda Reynolds, Lou Ann Dunn, M. Sweat, Marie Robinson, Mark & Jane Berkley, Mark Messenger, Martha Oakes, Mary Shaffer, Mary V. Lemon, Mead Lumber Co., Melanie & Brian Hedgespeth, Michael Chambers & Jim Loader, Michael Durall, Michelle Coats, Mike & Mary Lou Hickel, Mike & Polly Hoppock, Nancy Nickell, Native Daughters of Kansas - Saline County, NexTech Wireless, Nick & Lori Berezovsky, Norio Kawabe, Pestinger Heating & Air Conditioning Inc., Peter & Sara Johnston Pinion, Richard & Kim Fairchild, Riley & Madeline Grant, Rita Deister, Robert L. Jenkins, Rolf Potts, Ryan & Crystal Stuart, Ryan & Lindsey Haworth, Salina Family Vision Care, Sally Keeler, Sally Siegrist, Sarah & Aaron Wedel, Solomon State Bank, Stonecreek Financial Solutions, Teresa Stevens, The Floyd Family, The Gilig Family, Tim & Dotty Roeder, Tim Blake Family, Vera Zerger, Zoe & Theron Greenmeyer
Click here for the library's website.