Archive for Monday, August 31, 2009
Arthur’s adventures: Library’s stuffed aardvark refreshed after trip to southeastern Kansas
August 31, 2009
Advertisement
For more than 10 years, Arthur the aardvark has shown up to work at the Lawrence Public Library, gladly accepting children’s hugs in a way only a 4-foot-tall stuffed animal can.
“He gets more hugs and kisses than anyone else,” says Joyce Steiner, youth services coordinator at the library. “He was looking rather droopy.”
What’s an aardvark to do when he’s feeling a little physically beat? Take a vacation, of course.
That’s exactly Arthur did this summer.
With a little money from Lawrence residents and library boosters John and Carol Nalbandian, Arthur headed to exotic Independence, Kan. There, he visited the home of former library staffer Dana Hart, who just happens to be a seamstress.
Arthur took a break from his usual days of appearing at the library and starring in children’s books and a PBS series for some rejuvenation time. With help from Hart, he ended up with new clothes, shoes and clean fur.
He also gained some weight on the trip — who doesn’t on vacation? — in the form of some new padding around his belly.
While in Independence, Arthur got to check out the town, including its zoo, Little House on the Prairie, miniature train and a nearby farm.
“He was ready for a vacation,” Steiner says. “He looks much better. He looks very spiffy.”
Arthur is scheduled to return to Lawrence just in time for the 10:30 a.m. Tuesday storytime at the library, 707 Vt.
“We want to welcome him home,” Steiner says.
As of press time, Arthur was still traveling. His cell phone signal was spotty, so he was unavailable for comment.
Top ads RSS
- CLASS B DELIVERY DRIVER Want to work 4 days per ...
- Training Coordinator CLO, a leader in providing supports to adults ...
- Pinnacle Career Institute needs a Medical Billing and Coding instructor. ...
- Research Aide , KU. At least six months working in ...
- Pinnacle Career Institute needs Medical Assisting Instructors for our Lawrence ...
- On the street: Are you going to the Kansas University football pep rally downtown? September 2, 2010 · 12 comments
- National group writes up Lawrence as one of two speed-trap cities in Kansas September 1, 2010 · 86 comments
- Mosque or memorial? September 2, 2010 · 87 comments
- Downtown pep rally to celebrate start of KU football season August 31, 2010 · 40 comments
- Special housing for city’s teachers suggested September 2, 2010 · 81 comments
- No gains August 31, 2010 · 236 comments
- U.S. economy isn’t recovering September 1, 2010 · 202 comments
- Man arrested after hitting man with paint can September 2, 2010 · 26 comments
- Obama on Iraq: It's time to turn the page August 31, 2010 · 150 comments
- Poll: How many speeding tickets have you received in Lawrence? September 1, 2010 · 12 comments
- Special housing for city’s teachers suggested September 2, 2010
- Music and equipment sale to benefit KU's Audio-Reader service September 1, 2010
- National group writes up Lawrence as one of two speed-trap cities in Kansas September 1, 2010
- Fish in flight: Lawrence photography pros capture odd sight in park September 1, 2010
- Six: State's DNA sample backlog reduced by over 70 percent September 1, 2010
- Downtown pep rally to celebrate start of KU football season August 31, 2010
- Kansas purchases 60,000 exams to help students prepare for college, post-secondary job training September 2, 2010
- Buyer incentives prop up home prices October 17, 2006
- Study: Moderate drinkers tend to live longer than teetotalers September 1, 2010
- GARY SHAW May 7, 1996
Comments
LJWorld.com doesn’t necessarily condone the comments here, nor does it review every post. Read our full policy. Also, read about banned accounts and harassing comments.
breeze (anonymous) says…
Why would you assume that Arthur has a cell phone? I think he would never have one of those!