Tag: Wichita

The Lineup : Ashley

Ashley’s Lineup

TV show/streaming: Community

On my recent trip to Seattle my cousin had Community playing and I became immediately obsessed with it. It is a group of misfits who form a study group at a community college and it centers around their antics and interactions with each other. It first aired back in 2009 so I am way behind the times on this one but it also means I can binge all the seasons right now! It is quirky and laugh out loud funny with a stellar cast.

Shopping: Old Town Farmers Market

It’s farmers market season! I love wandering around the Old Town Farmers Market in Wichita. There are all sorts of things available including baked goods, arts & crafts, dog treats and a few vegetables (it is a bit early for much). I have been taking my dog, Dudley, who gets very excited to try all the treats on offer. He gets all the admiring oohs and aahs. I have loved trying some of the foods on offer such as Polka Pierogi who has a weekly offering and usually sells out quickly. I am hoping to try one of the other food vendors this weekend and continue exploring all the market has to offer. If you get a chance visit the market in Old Town and find some goodies to take home with you!

Podcast: After Dark : Myths, Misdeeds & the Paranormal

I absolutely love this podcast! The two hosts, Maddy Pelling and Anthony Delaney, are both historians of the eighteenth century but the expand their research for the show to all time periods. Their chemistry and banter on the show is perfect. They do such a great job of telling the stories or talking with experts about the topic of the episode. They have covered everything from hauntings, UFOs, the last days of historic figures and serial killers. I have learned so much from them which has led me to read or learn more. I currently have Maddy’s book from interlibrary loan and cannot wait to start it this weekend!

Genre: True crime

In the last several months I have been in my true crime era. I watch all the new documentaries on Netflix. I place holds on the upcoming historical true crime books. I don’t know what it is about the genre that has recently pulled me in and completely engrosses my attention. My most recent read was The Peepshow : The Murders at Rillington Place by Kate Summerscale. It details the crimes, trial and aftermath of the serial killings of Reg Christie in 1950s London. The book was a fascinating look into a sensational case of a serial killer who had possibly slipped under the radar for years. If you love true crime then I’d highly recommend this one. I am now anxiously awaiting my ILL of the mini-series based on the Rillington murders to arrive.

Hobby: Cross stitching

For years I have been working on a cross stitch of Beauty and the Beast in the style of Thomas Kinkade. I am getting near the end of it and excited to see it completed and framed. This is the most intricate project I have worked on and it will be very rewarding to finally finish it. Beauty and the Beast is my favorite Disney movie and this will be a perfect addition to my home library decor. I have several other kits or projects lined up after this one which I cannot wait to get started on.

The Blog Wants to Know: Feb. 2025

It’s February with Valentine’s Day approaching so whether you’ve got a special someone or just want to treat yourself, you might be heading about the town to a new spot. Our library staff have some excellent suggestions!

What are some of your favorite restaurants that you’d recommend in the surrounding areas of town? Do you have a favorite item that you order from this restaurant or a dish you’d suggest for a first-timer? 

Shane, Public Support Services: “I would recommend Wichita Brewing Company for a relaxing night out with delicious pizza and craft beer.

You absolutely have to try the Itis Pizza if you haven’t been before. It is decadent with cream cheese and other toppings sandwiched between two doughs. It’s definitely not for the gluten or dairy intolerant though! They also do a pizza of the month every month that is always worth a try.

Hannah, Assistant Director: I have to recommend Pizza John’s! It’s iconic to Derby. Their thin cracker crust is so good, and the seasoning blend that they sprinkle on top of every pizza is magic. But don’t miss out on trying their sandwiches!

Shelia, Interlibrary Loan and Cataloguing: We recently discovered Shindigs Bar & Grill in Winfield. It’s a railroad freight station turned into a bar and grill. They have a fun food and drink menu and take reservations.

Alyssa, Adult and Teen Services: “I’m a huge breakfast food person so I have two recommendations for you.

If you’re looking for a luxurious brunch spot, try HomeGrown in Wichita. They have a seasonal menu with well-executed, decadent options. It’s on the pricier side, but for a special treat, the “farm to table” vibes are unbeatable. If you have a sweet tooth, I highly recommend the Pop’d Hearts. They’re homemade pop tarts made with flaky pastry, and it’s like something straight out of the Great British Baking Show!

For a down-home diner vibe, check out Jimmie’s Diner. The ever-flowing diner coffee is charming, the waitresses have on poodle skirts, and the prices are super reasonable. My favorite item (and one of my favorite meals in Wichita) is the Breakfast Sandwich on an Everything Bagel. It’s divine!

Eric, Library Director: We really enjoy Mediterranean Grill (by Town East) in Wichita.  We love the dolma, fattoush salad, honey biscuits and the lamb gyros.

The kids also like Wichita Brewing Company and are having fun trying all the different pizzas.

My wife, Kara, and I enjoy Sabor and would recommend the plantain chips as a starter. 

Justin, Technology Coordinator: You know what, I’m basic. I love the Totally Tuna sandwich at Jimmy Johns, the classic chicken sandwich at Buffalo Wild Wings and the Whiskey River BBQ chicken wrap at Red Robin.  If I’m feeling naughty, I’ll get the Royal Red Robin burger.

Dawn S., Youth Services Coordinator: “Ty’s Diner is delicious! I love the frings and the mushroom swiss burger.”

Tabbitha, Youth Services: “One of my favorite restaurants is located here in Derby. Las Vaquitas is a family-owned business that serves the most delicious Mexican food and great hospitality! They recently expanded their storefront to accommodate their customers. They have a lunch and dinner menu, along with kids meals too! My family enjoys going to this establishment for a nice meal close to home. They are located at 128 E Madison, on the other side of Kansasland Tire.

      Another favorite of mine that is close to home, is Good Fortune Chinese Restaurant. This is a convenient take-out meal for my family usually on busy evenings or for a special movie night treat. They are right on Baltimore in one of the shopping centers. Usually, we order sweet and sour chicken (for the kids), egg rolls, and dumplings.  I enjoy their seafood and grilled chicken options for my food sensitivities. They also have a small lunch buffet that many people have told me they enjoy.”

Now it’s your turn! Tell us what some of your favorite restaurants are in town!

What’s Ashley Reading?: The Mouse and the Motorcycle

The Mouse and the Motorcycle by Beverly Cleary

First line: Keith, the boy in the rumpled shorts and shirt, did not know he was being watched as he entered Room 215 of the Mountain View Inn.

Summary: A young mouse named Ralph is living in a knot hole in Room 215 when a small boy comes to stay. Ralph loves to watch the guests, especially children because they are always dropping food around the hotel. As he watches Keith he sees him playing with his toys cars and a motorcycle. Ralph has always wanted to ride a motorcycle. When the boy is not in the room Ralph gets his chance. However, it does not work out as planned. He falls into the trash can. Keith soon discovers the small mouse and they quickly become friends. With Keith’s permission Ralph is allowed to ride the motorcycle all over the hotel. This is when the adventure Ralph has been craving truly begins!

My Thoughts: This was one of my all-time favorite books as a child. I loved everything I read by Beverly Cleary but Ralph definitely holds the top spot. His adventures were lots of fun and quite funny too. And to have one of your favorite novels also be a movie was so cool! I spent many a summer day watching the movie version of this book as well.

When I just reread this charming story I realized that Wichita is mentioned in it. How cool is that?! The teachers who are staying at the hotel are from Wichita and consider taking Ralph home with them to live in their classrooms. I thought this was a fun little tidbit to find as an adult.

On my most recent trip to Oregon I stopped in Portland for a few hours. While looking for things to do I learned that the Multnomah County Library in Portland has a Beverly Cleary Children’s Library. I immediately added it to my itinerary. We stopped into this beautiful library for a short visit. As a fan of Cleary’s and a librarian I was in heaven. If you get a chance go and check it out.

FYI: If you are looking for a bit of nostalgia then this book is perfect.

Book Review: As Bright As Heaven

As Bright As Heaven by Susan Meissner

First line: Morning light shimmers on the apricot horizon as I stand at the place where my baby boy rests.

Summary: When the Bright family, Thomas, Pauline and their three daughters, decide that they are going to move to Philadelphia they believe that it will be a new start away from the sorrow of the last few months. Thomas is apprenticing his uncle’s mortuary business. This seems a strange place to bring a family after the loss of their infant son and brother but for Pauline it helps her heal and understand death better. But suddenly the war and the Spanish Flu descend on the family. They have to deal with more than they ever expected.

Highlights: Susan Meissner can write beautiful stories rich with historical detail and human emotion. Her characters are always amazing and deep. It was a very fitting time to read about the flu after the strong strain that hit the U.S. this year. It is also the 100th anniversary of the epidemic. I liked the love stories and the history.

“She says the flu wanted to make barbarians of us, to have us think life is not precious and the dead are not worthy of our kindest care. Our humanity is what made what happened to us so terrible. Without it, nothing matters.”

Of course I had to search Newspapers.com (using the link on our library website) to see how Wichita reported the events of the time.  It seemed that the who country shut down to help protect civilians from the dreaded flu that was wiping out millions of people.


Lowlights: I felt like the narratives of Pauline and Willa were not completely necessary. They did not provide too much to the story. The story could have been shortened by 50 pages or so. I ended up skimming the last 40 pages to see how the characters and story wrapped up.

FYI: I loved her book, The Secrets of a Charmed Life, which is set during the Blitz in London during World War II.