HISTORY

    Rainbow's End was begun in January of 1990 by Joan Schermbeck as a ministry to the local Christian community.  She first presented the idea of opening a Christian library to her pastor, who encouraged her.  Delighted, Joan decided to name her fledgling library Rainbow's End because of the many rainbows she had seen over the building she intended to use.  She also believes the best treasure for a person to find at the end of any rainbow would be God's word.   Joan organized her few books onto a single bookshelf, included a notice in her church's bulletin, and eagerly opened Rainbow's End Library on a  Saturday afternoon.  Nobody came.  While this beginning was a disappointment, Joan persevered, opening her home two Saturday afternoons a month.  Gradually news of a local Christian library spread and people began stopping by. 

        Joan was surprised to discover that the majority of the patrons were young families looking for quality Christian literature for their children.  Consequently she began investing in books ranging from those written for toddlers to mystery series and biographies for teens.  Gradually the collection grew until it became too large to be housed with the adult books in the main area, so Joan moved the children's books to a separate room.  Eventually it grew to the point where she had to split the collection again, placing the books for toddlers and young children in yet another room.  She added toys and funny dress-up hats, transforming it into a toy room where children love to play.  Currently there are twelve shelves of older children's and  teen's books as well as four shelves of young children's books, all written from a Christian perspective.  Housed with the older children's books are many audio and video tapes, the most popular being the Adventures in Odyssey series.

         While the library began with a single bookshelf of adult's books, this collection has since grown to over twenty-four shelves. There are many topics available: Christian biographies, Bible studies, devotionals, family, fiction, men's, missions, parenting, pastor helps, women's, young adult, and much more.  Also offered are many VHS and cassette tapes. All books, adult and children's, have been catalogued on the library's computer system by volunteers.  Included in this room is a piano where visitors can play music, as well as a few dozen hymnals/praise books which may also be checked out.

      Rainbow's End has a play house outside under the huge elm tree in the front yard, along with a swing hanging from one of the branches.  Chairs and a picnic table in a red and white theme complete the area as a peaceful place for a family to relax and visit; one of Joan's favorite pastimes.  Inside she always has juice and snacks waiting to refresh hot, hungry children.  To encourage children to memorize Bible verses, Joan began offering a piece of candy to each child who would recite a verse of their choosing to her.  Since children love to show off things they have learned, Joan quickly expanded this to include sharing a talent. 

         Several years ago one of the families who regularly visits Rainbow's End asked if they could use the library grounds to reenact the resurrection of Christ at Easter.  Joan readily agreed.  Each spring a few weeks before Easter the Lanier family set up scenes from the Bible.  A member of the family played the main character of each display while one of the younger children acted as a tour guide, leading visitors through the pageant.  In 2007 was too cold on Easter, so the Lanier family were forced to cancel this event.  Joan thanks the Lanier family for their faithful work.  

          When Crossroads Christian Academy opened their doors in 2002, the administrator, Susy Winfrey, arranged with Joan for the entire school to visit Rainbow's End one Friday a month.  Located in Leavenworth, Crossroads Christian Academy is a middle  school, educating students in the 6th through 9th grade.  Joan is pleased to be able to serve the staff and students of Crossroads Christian Academy.

        After thirteen years, Rainbow's End had become very popular with the Leavenworth community.  Often several families at a time would be perusing the shelves, the children eagerly sharing their knowledge or musical talents with Joan.  Joan found herself unable to visit with each family and confusion often reigned with many children playing, performing, talking, and reciting.  To restore the sense of peace Rainbow's End had always had, in 2003 Joan expanded the library hours from two hours on alternate Saturdays to 2-4 p.m. two complete weekends a month during the school year.  The specific dates the library is open are posted on the home page.  The library closes during the summer slump in June, July, and August, Joan using the time for a vacation. 

           On September 10, 2005, Joan hosted the first annual Rainbow's End "Mothers Only" Breakfast.  Designed as a celebration for the fall reopening of the library, invited ladies gathered for a relaxing breakfast on the library grounds.  Three tables were set under the trees to accommodate the guests and a buffet table was loaded with juice, coffee, muffins, and baked omelets.  The ladies enjoyed a leisurely visit in the fresh air before helping Joan clean up. They then browsed the shelves.  All who attended had a wonderful time and thank Joan for her hospitality. 

              Rainbow's End Library is planning a few special events for the 2006-2007 school year.  Please check the Current Events page for more information.  Joan invites you to stop by any time during regular Rainbow's End hours.  She looks forward to meeting you.  Feel free to e-mail her, or call and leave a message on Rainbow's End's answering machine.

Page last updated May 21, 2007.