Petroglyphs of Kansas Smoky Hills coming to Mankato

Mankato City Library will host "Petroglyphs of the Kansas Smoky Hills," a presentation and discussion by Rex Buchanan from 5 to 7 p.m., on Friday, March 18, in the Community Center meeting room (access through Mankato City Library). Members of the community are invited to attend the free program. Contact the Mankato City Library at 785-378-3885 for more information. The program is made possible by Humanities Kansas.

Too often Kansas history seems to start with the Coronado's trip through the state in 1541. For centuries before European arrival, Native people lived on the plains, and some left behind rock carvings on soft sandstone in the middle of the state. Based on the book "Petroglyphs of the Kansas Smoky Hills" (University Press of Kansas, 2019), this presentation focuses on these carvings, the people who made them, and what the carvings tell us about those people and their relationship to the land. The presentation also discusses the challenges of dating and interpreting these carvings, the threats posed by erosion and vandalism, and the roll of landowners whose property shelters these carvings.

Rex Buchanan grew up in Rice County, Kan., on the edge of the Smoky Hills. He is the former director of the Kansas Geological Survey and the author of books about Kansas geology and water.

"Petroglyphs of the Kansas Smoky Hills" is part of Humanities Kansas's Movement of Ideas Speakers Bureau, featuring presentations and workships designed to share stories that inspire, spark conversations that inform, and generate insights that strengthen civic engagement.

Humanities Kansas is an independent nonprofit spearheading a movement of ideas to empower the people of Kansas to strengthen their communities and our democracy. Since 1972, our pioneering programming, grants, and partnerships have documented and shared stories to spark conversations and generate insights. Together with our partners and supporters, we inspire all Kansans to draw on history, literature, ethics, and culture to enrich their lives and serve the communities and state we all proudly call home. Visit humanitieskansas.org.

In other news, Mankato City Library has new materials added to circulation in adult nonfiction: "Who is This Man?: The Unpredictable Impact of the Inescapable Jesus" by John Ortberg, "Everybody's Normal Till You Get to Know Them" by John Ortberg, "Moneyball" by Michael Lewis, "Small Victories: Spotting Improbable Moments of Grace" by Anne Lamott, "The Purpose of Christmas" by Rick Warren, "Creed: What Christians Believe and Why" by Adam Hamilton, "The Age of AI and Our Human Future" by Henry A. Kissinger, Eric Schmidt and Daniel Huttenlocher.

In adult fiction, the staff added "The Numbers Game" by Danielle Steel.

In juvenile fiction books, "How to Find What You're Not Looking For" by Veera Hiranandani was added.

The library received a rather large donation of mystery titles that include the following series: "Secrets of the Castleton Manor Library" by various authos, "Annie's Sweet Intrigue" by various authors, "Secrets of Wayfarer's Inn" by various authors, a couple of "Tearoom Mysteries" by various authors and "Antique Shop Mysteries" by various authors.

Children's easy readers added include: "Room for Everyone" by Naaz Khan and "Bathe the Cat" by Alice B. McGinty.

DVDs now in circulation include: Disney's Mary Poppins, Vacation, Disney's Summer Magic, Disney's Pollyanna and The Trouble With Angels.