Adventures in Libraryland/Marshall library launches (04/30/08)
Thank you to the people who attended the storytelling programs offered by Bil Lepp last week. As those of you who had the opportunity to enjoy the storytelling know, the library is starting a storytelling group. The Finney Creek Storytellers is being formed to offer a place for beginning storytellers to come and meet other storytellers as well as having the chance to practice their storytelling in a supportive environment...

Adventures in Libraryland/Library makes changes based on results of patron survey (04/16/08)
I want to thank everyone who participated in the library's most recent survey. Because of suggestions from our library customers, there will be several new services available at the library. First, the meeting room is available for use as a quiet study or reading area when not in use by the library staff or a group who has reserved the room...

Adventures in Libraryland/Young library patron's review catches the eye of famous author (04/09/08)
The coolest thing happened last week! Those of you who had the pleasure to read the March 19 interview with Sophia Bolser, who offered her opinions on the book "Cookie's Week" by Tomie dePaola might be interest in what happened next. Apparently, Mr. dePaola found out about Sophia's review of his book and he wrote her a letter in care of the library. He even sent pictures of himself and his pet...

Adventures in Libraryland/Remember the past -- good events and bad -- with new library books (04/02/08)
In the past month, I've had two library users request some special books to be purchased for our library. (Okay, more than two people have requested books for purchase in the last month, but for the sake of this story, let's stick with two.) I'm happy to announce that these books have arrived. Both have links to Marshall in ways that reflect our history -- for better and for worse...

Adventures in Libraryland/Learn about outstanding Missouri women at the Marshall Public Library (03/26/08)
As we usher out the month of March, the library will be hosting a display on Outstanding Women of Missouri. This traveling exhibit, provided by the Missouri Women's Council, features Missouri women recognized in their disciplines throughout our state's history...

Adventures in Libraryland/Ever thought about starting a business but don't know where to begin? Try the Marshall Public Library (03/12/08)
Historically speaking, one idea has made sense in the face of recession talk (despite the nay-sayers) is entrepreneurship. Because of that, I am so pleased to announce that there is a new service available at the library -- the Small Business Center...

Adventures in Libraryland/A shower of blessings lately at the Marshall Public Library (02/27/08)
You know that saying, "when it rains, it pours?" The library sure has been the beneficiary of a veritable storm of donations and improvements lately. First, the Library Foundation fundraiser was able to provide the funds for handicapped-accessible doors to be installed at the library...

Adventures in Libraryland/Slater News Rustler microfilm, new printer among recent donations to the Marshall Public Library (02/13/08)
The genealogy room received two unexpected gifts recently. Howard and Mary Vale Jones donated funds for purchasing 20 years of microfilm of the Slater News Rustler newspaper -- quite a valuable addition to our microfilm collection. In addition, Jean Gaddy Wilson donated funds for the purchase of a new printer with scanner capabilities. We are appreciative of the opportunity to replace an older model printer...

2008 ALA award-winning books now available at the Marshall Public Library (01/30/08)
Earlier this month, the American Library Association had its version of the Academy Awards when it announced the winners of its prestigious literature awards. They are described below. Each of these titles is now available at the Marshall Public Library for your edification...

Adventures in Libraryland/Home access to databases now available for Marshall Public Library patrons (01/23/08)
I am so excited to announce that library card-holders can now access databases (available through the library) from home. Go to the library's website (http://www.marshallpublib.org) and click on the menu bar under card catalog. Click on magazine/newspaper index...

Adventures in Libraryland/Are you following the election campaign? Read about the candidates at the library (01/09/08)
By the time this appears in the paper, the New Hampshire primary will be over. This is an exciting time! As one person stated before the Iowa caucus, "this is like the beginning of football season for me." She wasn't being flippant. It's just that many people find our democratic process to be a fascinating thing to watch in action. Personally, I want to participate in a caucus someday...

Adventures in Libraryland/Library staff wishes community happy holidays, posts holiday hours, new book titles (12/19/07)
All of us here at the Marshall Public Library would like to join in wishing Happy Holidays to the community. We will close at 1 p.m. on December 24 and reopen at 9 a.m. on December 26. Have a safe and joyful holiday! New materials Fiction...

Adventues In Libraryland/Library book sale a success, will benefit summer reading (12/05/07)
I want to extend a thank-you to all of those who attended the book sale this past weekend. We raised $260, all to support the Summer Reading Program. For those of you who missed it, we will have another sale in May. (You can also go to the monthly sales at Missouri Valley College -- they will have the next one on the first weekend in February.)...

Adventures In Libraryland/Fall book sale set for Nov. 30 and Dec. 1; Gingerbread house sign-up available (11/28/07)
The first annual Fall Book Sale will be held Friday, Nov. 30, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturday, Dec. 1, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. We have recently updated our magazine collection and moved it to a new location. Please feel free to enjoy our magazines and newspapers in a comfy chair and you can even have a cup of coffee! Stop by and take a look...

Adventures in Libraryland/Teen Advisory Board lets teens have a say at library (10/31/07)
The Marshall Public Library seeks teen input! Got some cool ideas? Get involved in the Teen Advisory Board at the library. T.A.B. members will focus on what teens want to see at their library -- share ideas, suggest books to purchase and plan teen events. All in just one hour a month! New members are always welcome. Come to the library at 7 p.m. on Monday, Nov. 5. Bring a friend and see what it's all about!...

Adventures in Libraryland/Marshall library's storytelling CD collection gets boost (10/17/07)
For those of you who have been enjoying our storytelling CDs, I have good news. I went to the National Storytelling Festival earlier this month and of course, I had to add to the library's collection (as well as mine). Our new additions include some international tellers as well as several that focus on the Southern part of our country. Feel free to stop by and browse...

Adventures in Libraryland/If you can't visit make the trek to the Smoky Mountains, visit the library and read all about Appalachia (10/10/07)
Missouri is one of my favorite states. I did most of my growing up on the bluffs of the Missouri River and when I didn't live here, my parents would bring me and my siblings back almost every summer to visit my grandparents. As an adult living in Illinois, I always got a thrill when I saw the river bluffs as I drove back to visit family...

Adventures in Libraryland/Marshall library observes Banned Book Week (09/26/07)
Fall is officially here and with it comes one of my favorite fall events: Banned Books Week. This year's theme is "Ahoy! Treasure Your Freedom to Read and Get Hooked on a Banned Book." First observed in 1982, Banned Books Week reminds American not to take this precious democratic freedom for granted...

Adventures in Libraryland/Survey notes how libraries are used; Internet use ranked high (09/19/07)
Every now and then, I just have to insert some librarian stuff in here. I'm happy to admit that I enjoy hearing about library news and items of interest involving libraries. It's an occupational hazard and one that makes me the person you don't want to talk to at a cocktail party unless you are already interested in the subject. So this is your only warning that I am about to embark on general library topic. Feel free to jump over this bit if your eyes are already rolling back in your head...

Adventures in Libraryland/A joyful event and a plea for civility: The library becomes 'cruelty free zone' (09/12/07)
Every now and then, something happens that makes a person is glad to be working in a library. Last week, one of those stellar moments came about in a quiet way. A husband and wife came into the library and the woman requested that we change her name on her library card. ...

Adventures in Libraryland/Pre-autumn flurry of new programs at the library (08/29/07)
You ever notice how once the schools start back up, your mind gets a bit more organized? Even though I am no longer in school, I still tend to put my nose to the grindstone a bit more in late August or early September. Maybe it's because we only have little parts of the library renovation project to finish and my focus can shift to other things. ...

Adventures in Libraryland/Library plans rummage sale (08/15/07)
Well, it only took us four months to get around to cleaning out the room that served as a storage area during the library renovations. Anything that was in our way got shoved in that room, which is actually the staff break room. As part of that cleaning process, we now have a bunch of items that we no longer need and so we are following in that great tradition of the rummage sale...

Adventures in Libraryland/Library unveils new Web site, thanks to volunteer Web guru (08/08/07)
Many of you know Troy Ballew, who works here at the library. I approached Mr. Ballew some time ago regarding an overhaul of the library's website and he graciously agreed to prepare it for us. Months of hard work went by and Mr. Ballew expressed his desire to finish the project before the school year ended in May. ...

Adventures in Libraryland/Marshall library wins grant to help pay for new computer (08/01/07)
I am pleased to announce that the Missouri State Library has awarded a grant to the library in order to replace the computer server, in the amount of $12,940. These funds, when paired with library money, will provide the replacement of our current server, which is five years old and no longer meets the demands of our computers, both public and staff. ...

Adventures in Libraryland/Nothing wrong with reading what everybody else is reading (07/25/07)
About a week ago, my husband pointed out a column in the Washington Post by Ron Charles. Mr. Charles is a book critic who was bemoaning the popularity of the Harry Potter books for two reasons. First, he believes the books don't rate as good literature and second, he thinks people are just reading them because lots of other people are reading them...

Adventures in Libraryland/Changes afoot for Web site and paperback collection (07/18/07)
The library has received several questions about our website recently. Many pages are outdated and some just read "Under Construction." The truth is that we are overhauling our website and it is a project, like many, that has taken a good deal longer than we anticipated. Please be patient with us as we go through these "growing pains" -- we hope to offer you a more user-friendly and informative website soon...

Adventures in Libraryland/Libraries: agents of social activism (and cool places, too) (07/11/07)
I was 34 years old before I knew what I wanted to be when I grew up. I mean, I always knew I wanted to be a mom, so I did that and stayed home for 11 years tending to my children. I am so grateful that I had that opportunity -- not everyone (those who want to) gets to do that...

Adventures in Libraryland/Read about music and gardening at the public library (06/27/07)
I had a great time this weekend at several local events this past weekend. On Saturday, I went to the Bear Creek Blues Festival in Slater. The weather was perfect and the music was fantastic! (My favorite was the Nace Brothers.) Then on Sunday, I participated in the Saline County Water Garden Walk. ...

Adventures in Libraryland/Riding currents -- of water and of change (06/20/07)
My family and I spent Father's Day weekend on the Niangua River for our first family canoe trip. We went with several other families who were experienced canoers. Our second and third daughters took to the river, well, like fish. They both particularly loved the feeling of getting into the river and letting the current pull them along the river for a way. ...

Adventures in Libraryland/Ceremony marks new quarters for genealogy room (06/13/07)
What a wonderful turnout we had for our ribbon cutting! It was especially nice to have the Duggins family represented by Molly Crews (and her daughter) and Kathleen Smith (and her husband and sons) as we revealed the newly renovated Maggie Duggins Genealogy Room. ...

Adventures in Libraryland/Library renovation ribbon-cutting set for Friday, June 8 (06/06/07)
We have all heard the horror stories about space renovations, whether it's in a private home or a public facility. All of us here at the library have managed to survive ours with only a few hiccups. Please accept this as an invitation to join us as we celebrate the completion of the project with a ribbon cutting on Friday, June 8 (that's this week!), at 4 p.m. ...

Check It Out/Library's annual Summer Reading Program kicks off June 2 (05/30/07)
Along with other changes going on at the library, we are making a change in our Pajama Time story hour, which will now be at 5:30 p.m., rather than 7 p.m. Our thinking is that it may be more convenient for parents to come to the library shortly after work. We read books aloud to the children and have a craft. We look forward to seeing you at the library...

Check it Out/Library's smarts enhanced by bright staffers from MHS (05/23/07)
Common wisdom has it that the best leaders surround themselves with smart people. As I certainly don't claim to be another Einstein, I have worked toward the goal of having a smart staff. Case in point: Marshall High School's valedictorian, Amy Yeagle, works at the library...

Check It Out/Marshall library board of trustees announces new conduct policy is in effect (05/16/07)
This past weekend, my family traveled to Olathe to celebrate my in-laws' 50th wedding anniversary. It was a low-key affair -- just dinner out at a nice restaurant with their children and grandchildren. I have great admiration for my mother-in-law and father-in-law and it was sweet to watch them acknowledge the hard work that goes into staying together for 50 years. It's really a matter of respect, when it comes right down to it...

Check it out/3 book reviews from 'Novel ideas' -- all available at the library (05/09/07)
By AMY CRUMP Library Director This week's column will feature "Novel Ideas," courtesy of the Washington Missourian. Each of the titles is available at the Marshall Public Library. Stock up on Post-It notes when you crack open "Walking on Eggshells," by Jane Isay. You'll want to mark passages in this upbeat book about developing a healthy relationship with your adult children...

Check It Out/Learn about history's repetitions at the library (05/02/07)
At the library program on World War II German-American internment camps last month, one of the more striking things I learned was that mothers and children were separated from fathers and other family members simply because some had legal residency and others had not...

Check It Out/Valentine Dance proceeds, big book sale announced (04/25/07)
You won't want to miss the Friends Book Sale this weekend -- they are having a bag sale! One dollar a bag for as many books as you can fit in the bag. What a deal! The sale takes place at the Murrell Library on April 27 from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. and April 28 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m...

Check It Out/Internment exhibit a success, more renovation work to do (04/18/07)
What a wonderful response we had to the traveling exhibit about World War II internment camps! It was the biggest turnout for an event I've seen since I got here more than two years ago. More than 120 people viewed the exhibit and 35 people participated in the fascinating panel discussion presented by Paul Gieringer and Marvin Wilhite. I am so pleased and want to thank everyone who attended. I will continue to incorporate history in future programs at the library...

Check It Out/Renovation like bicycling, even downhill can be challenging (04/11/07)
Last week, I took up bicycling. Some have suggested that the weather last week was a bit challenging to be my first week at the sport but I would rather bike in the cold than in the heat. I had a couple of interesting encounters on the street of Marshall while on my bike. ...

Check It Out/WWII internment camp museum coming to Marshall; MPL collaborates with MVC library on book discussions (04/04/07)
My column this week consists of two announcements. Please see below for important information. Traveling exhibit tells unknown story of German-American civilian internment in the U.S. during World War II Some disappeared under the cover of night, while others were taken during raids on their place of employment. ...

Check It Out/Library to close for remodeling April 2-8 (03/28/07)
Special Announcement: The Marshall Public Library is getting a facelift next week! The library will be closed from April 2 through 8. We will reopen on Monday, April 9, at 9 a.m. The bookdrop will be emptied every day -- you may return your books and they will be checked in...

Check It Out/Friends and contractor help improve library (03/21/07)
It's always nice to take time and recognize individuals who go that extra mile for the library. As many of you know, the Friends of the Marshall Libraries recently offered to cover the cost of installing a drinking fountain in the library. The fountain was installed last week and is already getting good use. ...

Check It Out/Librarian outlines spring projects set for library (03/14/07)
Spring approaches and with it, the library has several ongoing projects--and that are fun and some that involve noise and dust. Today, Wednesday, March 14, is the deadline for teens to register for the Teen Pizza Taste Test. On Saturday, March 17, at 1 p.m., teens will get to decide who serves the best pizza in town. Registration is required...

Check It Out/Librarian announces Book Buzz titles for March (03/07/07)
I am pleased to announce the Book Buzz titles for March. This service is provided with permission from the Missourian Publishing company, specifically through the hard work of Chris Stuckenschneider at the Washington Missourian. I hope you enjoy the books -- they are all available at the library!...

Check It Out/Library adds new book club, new vision aid and new staff (02/28/07)
Last October, I made an announcement about a new Parent-Child Book Club that was starting at the Marshall Public Library. Then in November, I had to announce that there would be a delay in that project. I am pleased to let you know that the inaugural meeting of the Parent-Daughter Club will take place on March 21 at 7 p.m....

Check It Out/Library foundation dance a success, raises $7,000 (02/21/07)
Another week has passed and I am faced with writing the column. Some weeks it's challenging to come up with a topic and other weeks I am flooded with items for discussion. This week is a flood week so I hope you'll excuse the smorgasbord approach. This past Saturday saw the Stone Hedge Country Club aswirl with flowing dresses and tuxedos as the Marshall Public Library Foundation hosted a Valentine's Day Dinner Dance. The response from the community was fantastic and the turnout was great!...

Check It Out/'Virtually Missouri' Web site a history treasure trove (02/14/07)
I'd like to introduce you all to a resource that has been quietly growing in our backyard, so to speak. The first meeting of the Missouri Digitization Committee took place in 2000. Their goal was to provide vision and coordination for digitization projects in Missouri. In 2003, they were successful in developing a centralized, searchable database of metadata from Missouri digital collections...

Legislation on government network services presents problems for libraries, schools that depend on MOREnet (01/31/07)
Today I have a smorgasbord of thoughts (revolving around the library) to share with you. I begin with book drop adventures. Many of you may recall that we were the beneficiaries of a donation from Murrell Library -- our very own book drop! The City was very accommodating and hauled it to their place, sandblasted it, painted it, and installed it on the concrete platform they poured just for the book drop. ...

Check It Out/'Farmer's Almanac' calls for more cold and snow -- good reading weather (01/24/07)
With the latest blast of winter a few days behind us, I hesitate (but not too much, apparently) to mention the prediction for February, courtesy of the "Farmer's Almanac." Here it is: "February2007 1st-3rd. Fairweather prevails. 4th-7th. Powerful storm pushes heavy snowacrossColorado, parts of Nebraska, Iowa, much of Kansas, Missouri, accumulations of a foot possible. 8th-11th. Drier, but also much colder. 12th-15th...

Check it out/Library books are on ice, well, actually book drop is (01/17/07)
Today I have a smorgasbord of thoughts (revolving around the library) to share with you. I begin with book drop adventures. Many of you may recall that we were the beneficiaries of a donation from Murrell Library -- our very own book drop! The City was very accommodating and hauled it to their place, sandblasted it, painted it, and installed it on the concrete platform they poured just for the book drop. ...

Check It Out/Top books from various sources in U.S. are listed (01/03/07)
Another year has arrived (how did that happen so fast?) and it seems only fitting that I pause in this column to point out the top book lists of 2006. I am pleased to offer many of these titles at the library. If you haven't had a chance to read these books, it might be a good resolution to check them out...

Check It Out/Marshall library uses grant money to improve services (12/27/06)
I had a bit of good news waiting for me in the mail yesterday when I came back from the Christmas weekend. The Missouri State Library had awarded a $5,585 grant to the Marshall Public Library. This particular grant is provided to purchase some software for the computers available for library patrons' use. The software will help streamline the process for patrons to access the computers. The staff and I are thrilled at this opportunity to improve our services...

Check It Out/'Stumbling on Happiness' at kids Christmas program (12/20/06)
Last night I attended the Holiday Program presented by several of the first-grade classes at Benton School. What really came across during the performance was how much the children were enjoying themselves. I was sitting on the back row, laughing at the songs and the antics of the children. Joy was shining in that auditorium...

Check It Out/Gingerbread house deadline today (12/06/06)
Blessed is the season which engages the whole world in a conspiracy of love.-- Hamilton Wright Mabi One of my favorite holiday activities takes place this weekend. The registration deadline is today for our Gingerbread House building activity. Registration is required so that I can make enough frosting. ...

Check It Out/Shopping for readers? Don't miss book sale (11/29/06)
In the spirit of Christmas, the Friends of the Marshall Libraries are giving something back to you in the way of a sale! This weekend is their Bag For A Buck book sale -- Friday, Dec. 1, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Saturday, Dec. 2, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m...

Check It Out/Recommended books for reading are listed (11/22/06)
By Amy Crump Library director As we head into the Christmas shopping season, parents, grandparents and others can give the gift of reading and learning. The Association for Library Service to Children (ALSC), a division of the American Library Association (ALA), has created a list of new books recommended for holiday gift-giving, as well as reading about the holidays themselves...

Check it out/Library to host 'Tellabration' story telling event Saturday (11/15/06)
Last month I had the pleasure of traveling to the small town of Jonesborough, Tenn., where the National Storytelling Festival takes place each year. On the first weekend of October, this town of 4,000 is invaded by story-lovers from all over the world -- approximately 12,000 people attend the festival, supporting the preservation of the oral tradition of storytelling...

Check It Out/Marshall library will be jumping with activities (11/08/06)
The library will be jumping with activities over the next week! We start on Saturday with a Pitch Party (as in the card game) at 2 p.m. Prizes will be given to the high and low scores. Refreshments will be served. On Monday the 13th is the Family Fun Night at 7 p.m, celebrating Children's Book Week. Bring the children to join us for a special storytime...

Check It Out/Policy regarding children at the library outlined (11/01/06)
The recent controversy at the library makes one thing perfectly clear: just like many communities all over the world, the parents of Marshall are very committed to caring for and protecting their children. As a parent myself, I support and applaud parental involvement in children's lives...

Check It Out/Frightful fun at library with Oct. 28 puppet program (10/25/06)
The Marshall Public Library is hosting a Halloween Family Fun Night with a puppet show. Parasol Puppets will present the Teeny Tiny Woman and other Halloween tales on Saturday, Oct. 28 at 6:30. The event is free and open to the public. Children are encouraged to wear their costumes...

Check It Out/MVC library to host Ingalls Wilder Exhibit (10/18/06)
When I was a young(er), I lived in the world of Laura Ingalls Wilder and Louisa May Alcott. With those wonderful memories in mind, I am pleased to put in a plug for the Murrell Library and their most recent endeavor: The Laura Ingalls Wilder Exhibit. ...

Check It Out/October begins series of special events at Marshall library (10/04/06)
I am pleased to announce that October is the first month of the Marshall Public Library's new 2006-09 plan and we are providing several events this month -- some old favorites and some new ones. The Friends of the Marshall Libraries Book Sale takes place this weekend -- Friday, Oct. ...

Check It Out/Library's new book return is ready for action (09/27/06)
By now, many of you may have noticed our new book return. We are so pleased to be able to offer this service to the community. Although the library is open 69 hours a week, we understand that people's schedules create conflicts with returning books during those hours. ...

Check It Out/Overlapping observances emphasize freedom to read (09/20/06)
In a bit of irony, the 25th anniversary of Banned Books Week overlaps with Constitution Week this year. Constitution Week runs from Sept. 17 to 23 and Banned Books Week takes place from Sept. 23 through 30. Observed since 1982, Banned Books Week celebrates the freedom and reminds Americans not to take this precious democratic freedom for granted. This freedom is guaranteed in our Constitution, specifically in the Bill of Rights...

Check It Out/Foundation offers ways to support Marshall library (09/13/06)
On Monday night, I witnessed the election of new officers for the Marshall Public Library Foundation. For those of you who haven't heard, the purpose of the Marshall Public Library Foundation is to solicit and receive tax exempt donations, bequests, and other gifts from the community...

Activity picks up at the Marshall library (09/06/06)
Labor Day is behind us and things are picking up here at the library. Story Times have begun again, after a hiatus in August. Our regular story times take place on Monday evenings at 7 p.m. and Tuesday mornings at 10 a.m. Wee Ones, for infants and toddlers, is held on Wednesdays at 10 a.m...

Check It Out/Marshall library offers free books to new card applicants (08/30/06)
I need your help. September is Library Card Sign-Up Month -- a time when the American Library Association and libraries across the country remind parents that a library card is the most important school supply of all. Libraries play an important role in the education and development of children. Studies show that children who are read to in the home and who use the library perform better in school and are more likely to continue to use the library as a source of lifetime learning...

Check It Out/Librarians of the silver screen (08/23/06)
Whatever your feelings about "The DaVinci Code," you have to admit it's kind of cool to see a movie where the people being chased by a murderous monk go to a library to find out where to go next. I was intrigued about how many libraries and/or librarians are featured in movies. I actually found a website (leave it to librarians) that listed all of them...

Check it Out/Book drop coming soon; book sale this weekend (08/16/06)
I am happy to announce that the Marshall Public Library is going to have an after-hours book return soon! Missouri Valley College has donated their old book return to us because they are getting a new one. The city has graciously agreed to help us install it and we are looking forward having it ready for use in the near future...

Check It Out/Summer Reading program highlighted with fun, swimming activity (08/09/06)
Summer Reading is over and we look towards starting a new school year. I want to thank everyone who participated in the Summer Reading. We had 46 children participate, from preschool through elementary school age and 16 teens (middle school and high school) participate...

Check It Out//Librarian to enter Saturday parade as a one-woman book cart drill team (08/02/06)
I'm really looking forward to the heat breaking before Friday because I am involved with the Santa Fe Trail Days, in particular the Trail At Twilight section of the festival, which takes place on Friday evening from 5 to 8 p.m. There will be all sorts of children's activities around the square and local artists and musicians displaying their work as well. And you don't want to miss the Bag-For-A-Buck book sale put on by the Friends of the Marshall Libraries!...

Check It Out/Library benefits from Girl Scouts sprucing up teen area (07/26/06)
The Marshall Public Library benefited from the efforts of a local Girl Scout troop this past weekend. Cadette Troop 692 chose the library for their Silver Award project, specifically to spruce up the teen area. They spent 10 hours this weekend (while the library was closed) to move shelves, move books, paint walls and furniture and generally give the space a facelift, based on input from the library's Teen Advisory Board. ...

Check It Out/Teens can chill out at the library with movies (07/19/06)
It's official -- I have moved into "mom with older kids" stage. It happened on Sunday night, July 16, when my youngest child lost her first baby tooth. Add that to the fact that I have two teenagers at home, and I feel that I have truly left the baby days behind...

Check It Out/'Meet The Artist' reception Thursday, July 13 (07/13/06)
Under the category of guilty secrets, I am a big fan of the Rodgers and Hammerstein musicals. Oscar Hammerstein was born on July 12, 1895. Reminiscing about my favorite Hammerstein lyrics seems an appropriate way to commemorate his birthday. Although Rodgers and Hammerstein's heyday was at least 15 years before I was born, I did most of my growing up in my grandparent's house. ...

Check It Out/'1776,' Williamsburg chances to see history (07/05/06)
I had the pleasure of seeing "1776" at the Lyceum this past weekend. I had never seen this play before and found myself quite moved while watching it. Our country's history has always fascinated me, particularly the colonial and revolutionary periods. ...

Check It Out/Picking out pirate books in advance of movie (06/28/06)
My oldest daughter is on a countdown to the second "Pirates of the Caribbean" movie. Each day she informs me (whether I want to know or not) how many days are left until the movie opens. Of course, it would be helpful if I could remember as I write this but then again, I can reply on her to keep me informed. For those young people who also enjoy pirate stories, I have a few suggestions...

Check It Out/Bongo Barry coming to the library on Thursday (06/21/06)
The library was ringing with the sounds of drums, piccolos, banjos, trumpets, xylophones, and guitars on Saturday, June 17, at our Musical Petting Zoo. It was a real treat to see the faces of the young child light up as they had the opportunity to hold and play the instruments. ...

Check It Out/Marshall library donations policy is explained (06/14/06)
Summer reading is marching along and I am happy to announce that members of the Marshall Community Band will be participating in the Musical Petting Zoo at 10 a.m., Saturday, June 17, in the library. We welcome all young children to attend and have the chance to look at and hear some instruments close up...

Check It Out/Library in the thick of summer reading program (06/07/06)
Did you miss me last week? I guess that Memorial Day weekend really threw me off because I forgot to write my column last week. And let me tell you, June really snuck up on me, too. Here we are, in the thick of Summer Reading 2006. We had 43 children show up with their parents for the Builder's Fair last Saturday. Since then, many parents have come to the library to register for Summer Reading and we have 74 children registered...

Check It Out/Marshall Public Library benefits from Rotary Club rocking chair donation (05/24/06)
When I was growing up, my grandma had a rocking chair. She would sit me in her lap and rock me. We would come to visit her every summer -- from whatever military base we were living. Now my grandma was a tiny woman -- only four feet nine -- and her rocking chair was just the right size for her. ...

Check It Out/Head to the library for 'The Da Vinci Code' books (05/17/06)
"The Da Vinci Code" movie is being released this Friday, May 19. As with many good novels, the book has sparked quite a reaction. Numerous books have been spawned from the furor raised by Brown's book -- some earlier works have even been re-printed because of increased interest in the subject. ...

Check It Out/'Gospels in Glass' is May 17 at public library (05/10/06)
I am very excited about a program coming to the library next week. Thanks to a donation from Jean Gaddy Wilson, we will be hosting a program titled "Gospels in Glass" on Wednesday, May 17th at 7 p.m. This program takes you on a tour of Missouri's treasury of religious stained glass. ...

Check It Out/Public libraries helped immigrants to assimilate (05/03/06)
I love the first of May -- May Day. I keep thinking I'll get around to participating in that old tradition of leaving flowers on doorsteps. For me, May represents renewal. This yes, May Day had a different focus -- A Day Without Immigrants. Marches were held all over our country to bring attention to the role of immigrants in this country...

Check It Out/Turn off that television and grab a book to read (04/26/06)
So we find ourselves in the middle of that annual attempt to get us off our couches -- National Turn Off Your TV Week. Since we are halfway through, I will only provide one alternative to television -- but I hope that the idea will stick with you beyond this week...

Check It Out/Explore Civil War at library (04/12/06)
I'm sure that there is a group of people who already know this but I was surprised to be reminded that today, Wednesday, April 12, was the anniversary of the Battle of Fort Sumter. The Confederate attack lasted 34 hours and started the Civil War when Abraham Lincoln ordered the fort to be retaken by the Union...

Check It Out/National Library Week is noted (04/05/06)
We are celebrating National Library Week! This provides a good reason to remind the people of Marshall about the services available at the library. Here is our top 10 list: 1. Research your ancestors in our genealogy room or with Heritage Quest, our online database...

Check It Out/MSDC has three-year plan (03/29/06)
Last week, I made a call for action in this column by stating that there was a need for local planning. I want to acknowledge that the Marshall Saline Development Corporation (MSDC) has developed a three-year plan for 2006-09, complete with a Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS). ...

Check It Out/Planning process necessary for Marshall's future (03/22/06)
For those of you who read Charles Mason's editorial last week, my column today will sound familiar. Like Mr. Mason, I participated in the State of Saline County event last week. As a representative of the library, I was very interested in what the other organizations were experiencing in the way of progress and challenges. While the poster session and program offered a great opportunity for networking with other professionals, I left the meeting feeling that we weren't finished...

Check It Out/Library to celebrate 16th birthday (03/15/06)
Pull out the candles! This weekend, the Marshall Public Library turns 16 years old. And in honor of sweet sixteen, we are giving the community a gift -- Forgive Your Fines Weekend! We will clear your card of any overdue fines. Please note: this applies to overdue fines only, not lost or damaged materials. Happy Birthday!...

Check It Out/Classics are added to library (03/08/06)
A couple of months ago, one of my neighbors suggested a book to me. It's titled "A Thomas Jefferson Education: Teaching a Generation of Leaders for the Twenty-first Century." The author, Oliver Van DeMille, promotes what he sees as a leadership education based on classic works of literature that the founders of our country read and understood...

Check It Out/Library survey results are back (03/01/06)
Tuesday, Feb. 28 marked the completion of our recent library survey. We had over 100 people respond and we are very happy to have your input. Coincidentally, the American Library Association just completed a national survey. It is interesting to compare our results to theirs...

Check It Out (02/15/06)
On Sunday night, I was surrounded but swirls of chiffon, velveteen, and curls. The Daddy Daughter Dance was a big success. Let me tell you, there's nothing like seeing a bunch of fathers dance the Bunny Hop with their young daughters. Proceeds went to benefit the Friends of the Marshall Libraries and Galaxy Family Center was filled with almost 100 people dancing away while supporting their libraries. ...

Library has books on ice skating (02/08/06)
I have to admit a secret about myself. This may come as a shock (gasp!) to those of you who have only known me about a year. I am an addict of the Winter Olympics. Figure skating is the biggest part of the problem. I crave the raw energy of a competition that requires the participants to be dressed up in a fruu-fruu outfit...