After years of planning and community support, the Parsons Public Library celebrated the window renovation project’s completion on Thursday, March 5, amongst a crowd of locals.
Library Director Samantha Graven said discussions concerning the window began in 2021.
“Due to continued leakage, safety concerns, and deterioration of the window frames and seals, replacing the windows became a vital concern.”
In April 2023, a plea for support was sent out to the community, and within 14 days, Graven said the library received 51 letters of support.
Support continued with City of Parsons Community Development Director Laura Moore writing a Community Development Block Grant proposal for the Library.
On Aug. 21, 2023, the Department of Commerce awarded $237,685 in grant funds for the project.
“After many hurdles, long conversations, and a few tears, Construction officially began on July 7, 2025,” Graven said.
In addition to Moore, Graven thanked Greg Hinman Construction, Ed Kutz with Design Group Architects, Terry Hardman, Casey Doyle, the team at the Home Store, city commissioners and staff, as well as past and present members of the Library Board of Directors.
“To close, I’d like to echo what the majority of the support letters stated,” Graven said. “The Parsons Public Library has a long and important history to our community, dating back to 1908. With the upgrades to our current building and the creation of these two spaces, Parsons Public Library will continue to be a gathering space, a place for play and learning, a place where all may come to learn, discover, create, and connect. Parsons Public Library is deeply rooted in our community, and we plan to serve our community for many years to come.”
Graven said this ceremony is a special moment to celebrate over three years of hard work.
“The dedication means a lot,” Graven said. She noted that one of her staff members made a video documenting the project.
“As I was watching it, it was very emotional because of all of the hurdles that we had to jump through, from 2023, to when we finally started construction; and just to see it all come together, it’s just beautiful,” Graven said. “And for the community to be using the spaces, enjoying the coffee bar and the open area, and to hear words of encouragement has meant so much, not only to myself, but to the board and to the library staff.” See LIBRARY, Page 5.
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Labette Board of Trustees Chair Rod Landrum said he believed Parsons Public Library was the best library in the Midwest.
“I know how hard Samantha has worked to make this happen,” Parsons Chamber of Commerce Director Liz Cochran said. “From the time my kids were little, we’d come in here and board books, through us using Hoopla now, and all the activities she does.”
Cochran said the library is a vital part of the Parsons community.
“I love that the space is not only beautiful but usable now, too,” Cochran said.
City Manager Jeff Cantrell said Graven has done an excellent job of keeping operations going and keeping the library clean during construction.
“She’s got us modernized,” Cantrell highlighted. “We look like a new, modern library. I love it.”
Economic Development Director Jim Zaleski said the Library board followed through on their vision for new, usable spaces in the library.
“I think the results speak for themselves,” Zaleski said.
Moore said she was happy with how the project turned out and said it was nice to be able to help in her own way.
“I think it was a really great project, and it will be a very useful space for years to come.”
Mayor Kevin Cruse said it was wonderful to be able to renovate the library.
“It’s been a long-awaited project. I’m glad to see all the people who attended this ribbon- cutting.”
Cruse highlighted Graven’s leadership and her 20-year tenure at the library. He also extended gratitude to those who contributed to the project.
Of the library, Cruse said, “It is a gem in the eyes of our city.”
