What the Library Means To Georgia & Keith Stevens

For Georgia and Keith Stevens, libraries have always been an important part of the community.

Georgia Stevens has fond memories of visiting the book bus with her three younger sisters when it made stops in College Hill. Her mother found that the book bus was an efficient way to bring the library to her family of readers. “As a kid, the library was such a source of entertainment and learning. I never outgrew that.”

As a kid, the library was such a source of entertainment and learning. I never outgrew that.”

Years later, Georgia took her son and daughter to the Rockwell branch with occasional stops at the downtown branch to load up on books. She passed on her love of reading and learning, and today her children are taking their kids to the library.

A long-time member of a book club, Georgia is inspired by their discussions. “After reading a book, it’s always interesting and fun to share our many perspectives among the group. Book friends become best friends.”

Georgia recognizes that the foundation of learning is the ability to read and serves as a volunteer coach for United Way of the Plains’ Read to Succeed program. During the school year, she meets weekly one-on-one with a second-grade student at College Hill elementary school. “We find a quiet spot in the library, and the child reads to me. I help sound out difficult words, and encourage the reader along the way.” She loves seeing the students show more confidence in their reading skills by the end of the year.

Keith’s interest in our new Advanced Learning Library is an extension of his interest and support of public schools in Wichita. He was treasurer for the two successful USD 259 school bond elections and has served as treasurer for school board candidates. Like our public schools, he sees the Wichita Public Library as a place where people gather for learning and to share ideas. “Some of our citizens believed that Wichita didn’t need a new library—they need come here and see for themselves. The parking lot is always busy.”

Keith’s father, Keeney Stevens, a pioneer in the discount house idea, had to quit school after the 9th grade to help his family, but he valued learning and would frequently volunteer to pay for an item a school needed. The boardroom at the Advanced Learning Library is named after Keith’s father. It’s a perfect tribute to honor Keeney Stevens and enrich the lives of Library patrons for years to come.

Keith and Georgia appreciate the value of funding programs to encourage kids, teens and adults to read books, and so they support the Wichita Library Foundation. “What sparked my passion with the library? It’s the people you serve. I see the importance of providing access to books and internet connectivity for those in the community who may not have resources.”

What sparked my passion with the library? It’s the people you serve. I see the importance of providing access to books and internet connectivity for those in the community who may not have resources.”