The Pella Public Library has repurposed the long-time space for story time, with the goal of enhancing the facility’s play areas while also remembering a former patron and fallen solider.

Youth Services Librarian Katie Dreyer says they were able to develop a STEAM wall, which will be called “J.T.’s Corner” in partnership with the Atchison Family and the Pella Community Foundation.

Dreyer says J.T. was the first child she met for story time when she arrived at the Pella Public Library in 2007, and a regular at activities in the facility in the many years that followed.

“J.T. and Stacy came a few minutes early every week to get their spot in the corner by the cabinets. As J.T. grew up and went to school, Stacy continued bringing J.T. and Harley, his older sister, to every youth program offered. Fast forward to May 2023, when J.T., Stacy, and Harley stopped by to tell me goodbye the day before he reported to basic,” she says. “I hold many moments dear and close to my heart, and that is one of them. With the input of the family, it was decided that J.T.’s Corner would be the new name for this space in honor of J.T., his life, and his love for play and for STEAM.”

Atchison succumbed to injuries following a medical emergency in basic training on July 12th, 2023. J.T. was a 2022 graduate of Pella High School and had enlisted to join the U.S. Army.

Hear more about J.T.’s Corner, as well as a special Pella Community Art Center project in his memory, coming up soon on 92.1 KRLS.