FORT RILEY, Kan. -- Families gathered for an afternoon of bouncing, eating and wagon riding Sept. 3 at the Fort Riley Post Library for the Fall into the Library party.
The party celebrates the final days of warm weather and helps families get excited for the coming season of fall, said Terri Seaman, contract manager for the Fort Riley Post Library. It also reminds them that even as the weather gets colder, the library is still open to them.
"Fall Apple Day is a week from now and there's always that anticipation of, 'oh, it's coming up,' but there was never anything going on the weekend before and everyone was really antsy, we thought we'll fill that gap and give them something to do, something fun to do and then it kind of leads into that celebration," Seaman said.
Staff and volunteers served free pulled pork sandwiches and cold drinks for lunch as children bounced about inside an inflatable bounce house. The Commanding General's Mounted Color Guard also offered free wagon rides around the library and Morris Hill Chapel.
"Finally, finally got this all coordinated to where they (the color guard) could come out," Seaman said. "We've been trying to do this forever and it finally fell together."
Children and parents alike were excited to see the horses and ask questions about their care and abilities. Several parents commented the wagon ride came as a pleasant surprise for them and their children.
"Kids loves it," Seaman said. "They are lining up to get on board and they're (the color guard) doing an awesome job. They're taking them for a good five minutes of a ride."
Samantha Chapman, wife of Warrant Officer Gerard Chapman, 1st Combat Aviation Brigade, 1st Infantry Division, attended the party with her 4- and 2-year-old children.
She said she frequently attends the events put on by the library staff and appreciates how engaged library personnel are with the community. Chapman added she loves the Fort Riley Library because her kids are able to be kids and be loud sometimes in a place that is traditionally considered quiet and strict.
"The library is supposed to be the quiet place and the kids love coming and getting books … Now when they come, it doesn't have to be so peaceful," Chapman said. "Kids can be loud sometimes and this gives them the chance to be loud while they get their books."
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