Library director turns a new page  

July 31, 2025

By Harvey Jackson Oss

The Belton Journal

Community leaders gathered at the Lena Armstrong Library on Friday, July 25 to celebrate the retirement of long-time Director of Library Services Kim Kroll. Kroll was appointed to the position in October of 2000, directly succeeding the legendary Lena Armstrong for whom the library is named. Counting unused vacation days, Kroll served the library for 25 years. Belton City Manager Sam Listi opened with remarks and spoke on how the library had received multiple Achievement in Library Excellence Awards during her tenure, with Kroll herself receiving a national award in 2017. Listi read excerpts of various letters collected for last year’s 125th anniversary relating to moments in the library’s history, including one about Roscoe Harrison, the first black Beltonian to receive a library card. Harrison, a young boy during the segregation era, was granted the card in secret by Armstrong. Listi concluded his speech by presenting Kroll with a $100 gift card. Listi was followed by his assistant Matt Bates who presented Kroll with an award commemorating her 25 years of service. Also speaking was Juanita Smith, Friends of the Belton Public Library President. Smith praised Kroll for involving the friends in the library’s various projects over the years. She discussed how Kroll managed to recruit bestselling author Lisa Wingate to speak at the annual book and author luncheon this year, an achievement that seemed impossible to her peers. Wingate’s presence led to the luncheon raising a record breaking $10,000, in contrast to previous luncheons which brought in around $2,500. “I think Lena Armstrong would be proud of your library,” stated Smith. Kroll took the podium herself to speak on her years as director. She mentioned how a friend of Armstrong, Berneta Peoples, was initially concerned that Kroll would not respect Armstrong’s legacy. Peoples eventually came around to befriend Kroll. “That was my introduction to dealing with the public in Belton,” said Kroll. Kroll detailed the challenges that she faced over the years as director. “When I first started at this library, it was institution green, and the carpet smelled.” At that time the library had around 50,000 books, but most were not in circulation. Since that time the library has undergone many changes and improvements. “I could not do it without the staff of the City, and I could not do it without my staff,” stated Kroll. Renovations completed under Kroll’s tenure include an outdoor pergola, a garden, a playground, reshelving, repainting, new seating areas, and everything within the children’s room. When asked what she considered her biggest achievement, Kroll responded “creating a place where people feel welcome.” Kroll is still deciding how to spend her retirement, and a new director has yet to be chosen. Lauren Gommert, Children’s Library Clerk, served alongside Kroll for the past 16 and a half years. She spoke about Kroll, stating “Kim offered me the safest place to learn and grow.” Gommert presented Kroll with a new 20 years of service plaque, replacing the original which had been badly damaged in transit. “I will miss her funny little stories about life,” said Gommert.