Dalton Torneden credits his grandfather for helping him understand the value of libraries.

“He knew that I loved books, and I think he knew that, no matter what, going to the library would find some kind of purpose for me,” he said. “He actually more or less took me by the hand and was like, ‘We’re going to the library.’”

Torneden, who has been involved with libraries ever since, is the new children’s librarian at the Eudora Community Library.

“I’ve been seeing all the good things Eudora did, and I wanted to be a part of that,” Torneden said.

He previously worked at Linwood Community Library for four years in a variety of positions, including interim director and assistant director.

Since starting in Eudora earlier this month, Torneden has been working the desk, helping patrons check books in and out, answering phones and helping fellow staff with anything they need. He expects to take over more of the children’s librarian programming duties as summer begins.

He said the first activity for summer reading in May is planned, with more activities in the works for June and July.

Executive Director Carol Wohlford said Torneden was hired because of his immense library experience. Wohlford said there were five candidates for the job, but Torneden stood out with his interest in helping the library grow.

“He was very energetic and excited about throwing out his own ideas,” she said.

Wohlford said Torneden will be busy this summer helping with Feeding Eudora and summer reading programming.

“So he’ll get a lot of experience planning and implementing programs for kids,” she said.

Torneden said he’s happy to be part of a place that provides so much for the community.

“They provide so many resources, so many different things for people to come in and check out beyond what a traditional library does,” he said.

Torneden is looking forward to helping children enjoy reading. He said the first step is helping them find a book they can’t put down.

“You’ve got to meet people where they’re at,” he said. “Then kind of help them figure out what they might like and, if you’re lucky, you help them find that one series to make them come back and back and back for.”

Torneden works at the library from 12:30 to 6 p.m. Tuesdays, 9 a.m.to 6 p.m. Wednesdays and noon to 5 p.m. Fridays.

Reach reporter Ryn Drummond at [email protected].