In town for celebrations around “Month of the Military Child,” Kentucky’s First Lady Britainy Beshear closed a whirlwind tour of Fort Campbell Tuesday afternoon with story time at the R.F. Sink Library — touring the facility before she kicked off her shoes and read Ryan T. Higgins’ “What About Worms?” to a pair of awaiting youngsters in Christopher and Dominic.
By then, she had already met with Garrison Commander Col. Christopher Midberry and Command Sergeant Major Ryan Jeffers — and weaved her way through Marshall Elementary School, Fort Campbell High School, Werner Park Community Garden and Memorial Row to pay respects to the fallen.
Beshear said she had plenty to report back about to her husband, Kentucky’s governor, and their two children.
Particularly on one key platform of his two-term administration.
Erin Pritchett, a civilian and Sink’s Supervisory Librarian, said it was a wonderful experience for the community and her staff to have Kentucky’s First Lady on the premises.
Staying extremely busy with programming, Pritchett said their catalogs and property were last renovated and updated in 2021.
Anita Crum, Sink’s Children’s Program Coordinator, said she was pleased Beshear kept the library visit on her schedule — recognizing its importance to Fort Campbell.
A military brat and former military spouse, Crum said she is passionate about their space — and what it has to offer alongside life on the post.
Crum also noted she’s a “strong believer” in early childhood literacy, and as such, hopes discussions around funding universal pre-kindergarten continue in Kentucky and beyond.
Furthermore, Crum cited another recently completed study, showing that adults reading 30 minutes a day can reduce stress levels by more than 65%.
R.F. Sink Memorial Library is located at 38 Screaming Eagle Boulevard on the Kentucky side of Fort Campbell.
