Historical June 1985 report or notice. Original dates, prices and contacts describe the source period; current availability has not been established.
The article from the Kingsbury Kiosk this month has not been written by Mary Ann or Arlene, but by the public. Those of you who regularly use the facility know how true the following comments are; those of you who do not visit the Kiosk maybe will be inspired.
A more fitting Happy Birthday Kiosk could not have been written. I think the Kiosk makes our area a friendlier, more pleasant place to live.
Not only is it extremely convenient for parents of little children (take a walk and find a book) and for those involved in writing or reading projects, it is also a place to meet some very nice people.
As books add charm and warmth to a room, the Kiosk adds charm and warmth to our neighborhood. —Mary Pride I enjoy the Kiosk because it is so convenient and there’s a good selection of best sellers by my favorite writers. Also, Mary Ann is always willing to locate a book at another branch if it’s not available at the Kiosk.
Because it is so close to home, I can take our children there often where they can always find new stories to read and they too have developed their own list of favorite authors. —Lois Schoemehl I like the Kiosk because I can find books on a fourth grade or fifth grade level.
Here the librarians are nice and friendly. I like lots of things at the Kiosk. —Stacey P. Bradley (age 9½) The Kiosk is very convenient for me.
They order mysteries and other books and I appreciate it very much. —Nelda V. Hodges I like the Kiosk because it is an extraordinary place to study and check out new books.
And they have this machine called a Anacomp Micrographics which is used for finding new books. —Oscar Davis (age 12) The reasons why I like the Kiosk are: I) it is accessible to everyone in the Skinker-DeBaliviere area; 2) it is well stocked with books on every subject and it is the first to get the latest best sellers; 3) the librarians, Mary Ann Shickman and Mr. Claude Bennett are so helpful in ordering books from other branches and finding things at the Kiosk.
To sum this up, I consider it the best in the neighborhood for helpfulness and that includes Kingshighway and Lashly. —Elizabeth Bonds The Kingsbury Kiosk is convenient for me. I can walk to it in a matter of minutes. Normally on my morning walk, I stop by to see what is new in the window. Through the cat-fiche system I have access to all city libraries. Usually I go to the Kiosk every other day. —Nkenge Mawusi The Kiosk has been a godsend to our family during the past two years.
Mary Ann Shickman has been a considerate and helpful librarian who has sought to secure many books from other libraries.
We enjoy her book reviews as well as Arlene Sandler’s in “The Times of Skinker-DeBaliviere.” Mr. Claude Bennett has provided continuity from the days of the Des Peres Branch to the Kiosk. —David Schmidt I find our Kiosk a great personal pleasure and a highly valuable neighborhood asset. —John D. Elder I like the Kiosk because I love to read and most of the books I read come from it.
And it has a good selection of books for my age (but they left out the Nancy Drews). —Mary Wiltenburg (age 8) Within the limitations of its space, the Kiosk offers most of the services available at the regular branches.
Mary Ann Shickman is a dedicated librarian who also reviews books for “The Times of Skinker-DeBaliviere” as well as Arlene Sandler of Cabanne Branch who reviews children’s books.
Although the Kiosk has many recent and popular books in their collection, books can be borrowed and received within 24 hours from any of the other St. Louis Public Libraries.
The Kiosk is also popular because it serves all age groups as well as people from many different backgrounds.
We are happy to have the Kiosk as part of our neighborhood. —Virginia Cunningham Having a son with a Master’s degree in Library, and having worked at Central in St. Louis in the wonderful days before World War I, I have a strong feeling for good libraries and for those who respect and love them.
The Kiosk has our deep admiration—it is economical but fills our needs for perfection.
It has a highly able and personable director and wonderful downtown support. What a treasure we West St. Louis people have and thanks. I’m sure Carnegie would say the same. —G. V. Williamson For the young readers and their parents, Arlene has a final message before the summer.
As a group, children and young adults checked out almost 14,000 books since the Kiosk opened in May of 1983. Arlene asks that you help celebrate the library’s second birthday and your upcoming summer by joining the Summer Reading Club.
To earn a certificate, you have to read fifteen books completely by September 1. Pick up an official folder at the Kiosk at the beginning of June and be part of the Mighty Mississippi Summer Reading Club Adventure. Thank you Arlene and Mary Ann for your contributions to The Times and to the neighborhood. You along with Claude Bennett make the Kiosk a very special place.
Originally published in The Times of Skinker-DeBaliviere, June 1985.
Read this article in the original newspaper issue.
Original source: SD_Times1985_06.pdf, printed page(s) 6; PDF page(s) 6.
