Community Safety Talks
The series returns: Bringing conversations that strengthen everyday safety
By Lexi Liby
Safety isn’t just a priority. It’s a conversation taking place in the heart of campus inside Hale Library. The Community Safety Talks, an ongoing series led by K-State Libraries’ building services department, bring students, staff and community members together to explore essential safety topics. Each session offers expert advice, practical tips and vital emergency resources.
What started as a simple request to build trust between campus police and the Manhattan community has grown into an educational series that encourages attendees to take an active role in their own safety. The inspiration behind the series came from Randy Myles, a former community outreach officer with the K-State Police Department.
“I am a believer in Christ, and I see myself as a protector, not just in my home, but in my community as well,” Myles said. “I wanted to find a way to be more impactful. These Community Safety Talks became the platform to educate the community and spark important conversations about safety.”
Planning began in 2017, with the first sessions held in 2018. The program quickly gained momentum and became a valuable safety resource on campus. Later that year, however, the series was placed on hold due to the devastating Hale Library fire, which left no available space to host the sessions.
Following Hale Library’s renovation and rebuilding, conversations began about bringing the Community Safety Talks back. Robin Brown, K-State Libraries’ facility maintenance coordinator, and Jesica Sellers, facilities services coordinator, stepped in to relaunch the series and continue its mission forward.
“When we brought the series back, I met with Robin and the students to revisit past topics and discuss what we wanted to bring back,” Sellers said. “We focus on topics people should know a little about, and by sharing them with a larger group, we hope they become common knowledge again.”
“We want people involved and better informed,” said Brown. “A lot of the time, people assume they understand these topics, but they don’t. These talks provide free information that can be truly beneficial in their lives.”
Since the reboot, the Community Safety Talks have seen exponential growth. Recent sessions have explored topics like vehicle maintenance, fire safety, severe weather preparedness and personal emergency planning.
The Community Safety Talks have sparked enthusiasm across campus, not just from attendees, but from potential speakers as well. Brown and Sellers said departments are now approaching them with their own ideas, eager to participate in upcoming sessions.
“I figured we would have to twist their arms,” said Brown. “But instead, they start rattling off ideas and dates they’re available to come.”
“What’s been really interesting is that whenever we approach different groups to present, nobody has said no,” added Sellers. “They’re excited to be part of it. There’s lots of departments across campus that have these kinds of things to offer, and we have become the leading force giving them an outlet to present.”
As the Community Safety Talks continue to evolve, their impact reaches far beyond the walls of Hale Library, reflecting a movement toward a stronger and safer community.
“It’s not just about keeping this information to yourself,” said Myles. “What you learn here, go tell everyone else. Talk to your loved ones about it. Safety is a conversation that needs to be shared.”