By LAURA DANIEL
Tiger Media Network
Every Thursday at 10:00 a.m., the Kansas Room at the Hays Public Library hosts the Kansas Coffee Hour—a space where community members gather to share stories, explore history, and connect with others who share a passion for Kansas heritage.
The group discusses a wide range of topics, from personal memories and ongoing research projects to tips on using the library’s historical and genealogical resources. While many attendees are retirees, the group welcomes adults of all ages.
“Newcomers are always welcome,” said Kansas Room Coordinator Jeremy Gill. “Our regulars are a warm, friendly bunch who love connecting with others interested in history and genealogy. The conversations are always engaging and varied—sometimes it’s an open discussion sparked by someone’s research or a memory of an old Hays business, other times we host presentations and guest speakers on unique historical topics.”
Recent presentations have included everything from local business histories to a visiting researcher from Finland who spoke about Danish colonies in Kansas. The group meets year-round on Thursdays at 10:00 a.m., excluding holidays.
The Kansas Coffee Hour began informally but quickly grew into something special.
“When I first started here, several older gentlemen would stop by just to chat about local history,” Gill said. “I realized how valuable it would be to bring them together. From those casual conversations, this group was born. We even continued meeting on Zoom during the pandemic to keep that sense of community alive. That spirit of connection is still at the heart of what we do.”
The Kansas Room is home to the Hays History Collection and serves as a resource for those interested in local and state history. The Kansas Coffee Hour offers a welcoming and enriching experience for seasoned researchers or those who are curious about Kansas’s past. Those seeking more information can contact the Kansas Room at the Hays Public Library or drop by any Thursday morning.