‘Giving library’ to help promote child literacy

Volunteers on Friday helped build a “giving library” that will store books for a local child-literacy program.

About 25 volunteers — such as Glenna Bowman, above — spent the day painting and building bookshelves in the basement of the United Way building, 2518 Ridge Court.

The library is a project of the Why Wait to Read Program, which helps find and distribute children’s books to low-income health clinics and preschools.

Also on Friday, Beneficial Management presented the library with a $3,500 check. Employees also volunteered Friday.

Since it began in 2003, the Why Wait To Read program has gathered more than 5,000 books to be given to nonprofit agencies, including the Ballard Community Center and Douglas County Dental Clinic.

The book drive is affiliated with Lawrence-Douglas County Promise, a youth-oriented agency. It was organized by Mary Olive Thompson, a Kansas University graduate who had been assigned to the agency the past two years through the federal AmeriCorps program.

Crime

Store reports missing 500 bottles of liquor

A Lawrence liquor store has reported a loss of about $44,670 worth of liquor over a one-year period.

Linda’s Liquor, 1540 Wakarusa Drive, reported the theft of more than 500 bottles of alcohol Wednesday. Lawrence Police Sgt. Dan Ward said the theft began in January 2004 and ended in January this year.

The owner of the liquor store noticed the shortage when working on tax information and began doing inventory comparisons, Ward said.

The matter is under investigation.

Patinkin returning

Actor and Kansas University alumnus Mandy Patinkin will return to his alma mater next month for a benefit for the theater and film department, the university announced Friday.

“A Conversation with Mandy Patinkin,” at 8 p.m. April 9 in the Crafton-Preyer Theatre in Murphy Hall, will help purchase new equipment for the theater for patrons with hearing challenges and aid a scholarship fund for undergraduate film students.

Patinkin, who attended KU from 1970 to 1972, last visited campus in 2001.

The actor won an Emmy for his role on “Chicago Hope” and his film credits include “The Princess Bride” and “True Colors.” He was the narrator in “The Polar Express.”

Tickets to the event, which cost $40 for the public and $20 for students, are available at the University Theatre ticket office by calling 864-3982 or visiting http://kutheatre.com.