Following a decision by the McDonald County Library Board of Trustees, the after-school program at the Pineville location is in search of a new home.
The unofficial program was born of necessity last year when former Library Director Carrie Cline continually saw 10 to 20 students without a place to go after school seeking refuge at the library. The kids would begin trickling in at 3:30 p.m. and would clear out shortly after 5:30 p.m -- when the majority of their parents would pick them up.
Cline realized that these kids were in need of a safe, supervised space to study, play, and wait for their guardians to clock out. She began separating the kids from the general library population and organizing activities for them in the Community Room. Soon, parents and community members began donating snacks and refreshments.
KayCee Hunter began overseeing the after-school program in November, after Cline took a position with the Neosho Public Library. Hunter has been envisioning a community center in the area for years and is actively working to bring the Point of View Community Center " her vision of a space where community members of all ages can gather -- into reality.
The program now serves as many as 45 kids at once, although Hunter says upwards of 55 kids cycle through on a day-to-day basis.
In anticipation of the new library director Jeana Gockely's arrival, the Library Board has announced that they will no longer be able to facilitate the program within the library.
On Monday, Feb.1, library staff were unsure of the official reasoning but speculated it may have to do with liability issues.
Without an after-school program, many kids said they would resort to waiting at their parent's place of employment after school.
Hunter is seeking to secure a room, centrally located to Pineville schools, that could comfortably hold 30-plus children from approximately 3:30 to 5:30 p.m. Monday through Friday.
Those interested in volunteering to help, donating goods, or who may have a location to continue the program can contact Hunter at 417-214-5963.
If a big enough facility is available, Hunter also has fitness equipment that could be used to start a small fitness center. All of the proceeds would be used to fund the after-school program. Anyone with a child would then be able to work out somewhere with direct access to a supervised play area for the kids.
General News on 02/11/2016