When you host an event, you try to plan for everything.
The flow of the evening.
The timing of the program.
The details that make guests feel welcomed and cared for.
But I can confidently say this—
taking shelter in a stairwell during a tornado warning was not on my list.
And yet, that’s exactly what happened at this year’s Savor the Story.
We had been watching the weather and made the decision to prepare guests ahead of time, just in case. So when the moment came, there was no panic—just a quick pivot.
Guests gathered their food and drinks and made their way into the stairwell.
And then something unexpected happened.
There was conversation.
There was laughter.
There was a sense of ease that you can’t manufacture or plan.
People simply rolled with it.
In that moment, it became clear that this evening was never just about a program, a meal, or even a fundraiser. It was about community.
When the all-clear came, we moved back into the space, made a few quick adjustments to the program (just in case we had to do it again), and continued the evening together. And truly—it was a joyful, meaningful night.
Moments like this have a way of reminding you what really matters.
I left the evening with a deep appreciation for:
- Our library staff, who adapt and lead with calm and care
- Our supporters, who show up with generosity and flexibility
- Our patrons and guests, who invest in this community in ways both big and small
This is what the Galesburg Public Library—and the Foundation that supports it—is all about.
It’s not just about programs or events.
It’s about connection.
It’s about resilience.
It’s about creating spaces—sometimes even unexpected ones—where people feel like they belong.
Thank you to everyone who was part of this unforgettable evening. You truly helped us savor the story, no matter how it unfolded.
