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Friday, Feb. 10, 2012
Adventures in Libraryland: Marshall Public Library 'food for fines' program to run Jan. 11-17 (01/07/10)
The library's annual Food For Fines week starts Monday, Jan. 11, and will run through Sunday, Jan. 17. Pull out those cans of food you didn't use over the holidays and bring them to the library. Each item is worth $1 towards your library fines. You can clear your account and help the local food pantry!...
Marshall library's Food for Fines program runs Jan. 11-17 (12/31/09)
The library's annual Food For Fines week starts Monday, Jan. 11, and will run through Sunday, Jan. 17. Pull out those cans of food you didn't use over the holidays and bring them to the library. Each item is worth 50 cents towards your library fines. You can clear your account and help the local food pantry!...
Adventures in Libraryland: Gingerbread House party planned Saturday, Dec. 12 at the Marshall Public Library (12/09/09)
One of my favorite activities is scheduled for Dec. 12 at 10 a.m. in the meeting room. Come make Gingerbread Houses with us -- a make-and-take activity. Registration is required with a limit of 30 children so don't delay! You may sign up in the library or by calling 660-886-3391...
Adventures in Libraryland: Marshall library to offer help with computer skills (10/01/09)
Thursday, Oct. 1, starts a new month and a new year for the library. We are all feeling energized about our birthday year and the upcoming events. In October, we are offering a special program on Tuesday evenings. Need some help with computer tasks such as setting up an email account, creating a resume, Internet research or simply learning how to operate the mouse? Join us for Tuesday Tech Time from 5 to 7 p.m. for personal tutoring...
Adventures in Libraryland: State law a factor in reduced library hours (09/02/09)
Several people have stopped by my office recently to share their regrets that the library hours will be reduced as of Oct. 1. I let them know that I share their frustration. Not to bang too hard on the "it's the economy" drum, I thought it would be good to explain why this decision was made...
Adventures in Libraryland: Heat got you down? It's cool in the library (06/24/09)
As we enter July with all its celebrations (and heat), keep in mind that there's a cool place to come and have fun with your kids. Our next summer reading event takes place on Thursday, July 2, at 7 p.m. JoHo, Storyteller, will present "Poetry In Motion" -- words and stories set to rhythmic and rhyming action. Having fun with rhyming words helps develop early literacy skills. We hope to see you there!...
Adventures in Libraryland: Growth and service go hand-in-hand at the Marshall Public Library (05/13/09)
Did you know that the Marshall Public Library is in high demand? In the past six months, both the number of library cardholders and the number of items checked out have increased by just a little more than 4 percent. If that number sounds small, the actual numbers are these:...
Adventures in Libraryland: Marshall library receives grant for new microfilm scanner -- help from community still needed for matching funds (04/08/09)
I am happy to announce that the library has received a grant from the Missouri State Library that will provide funds for the purchase of a digital microfilm scanner for our genealogy room. Those of you who have had the opportunity to access our genealogy room are aware that the materials we have make our genealogy room among the top ten in the state...
Adventures in Libraryland: Library on the Web: Place book holds from home (03/12/09)
In our second week of examining online services available through our website, we will go through the steps to place a hold from the comfort of your own home computer. First, go to our library's website -- http://www.marshallpublib.org -- and click on Catalog...
Adventures in Libraryland: Book renewal and other services available online (03/05/09)
I ran into an acquaintance about a week ago and he was telling me that he's been going over the library in Columbia a lot. He said he enjoyed the services they have. Particularly he liked the way he could renew his books online and also that he could request a specific title from the comfort of his own home and then just run in the library where they would have it waiting for him at the front desk...
Adventures in Libraryland: Long-time library staff member gets promotion (02/12/09)
It is with great happiness that I announce the promotion of Vickie Johnson. Vickie will be taking the administrative assistant position left open by Priscilla McReynolds' retirement. Vickie has been with the Marshall Public Library since 1993 and is the coordinator of the homebound program. She will continue with the development of the homebound program as well as taking on new tasks...
Adventures in Libraryland: Long-time library staffer announces retirement (02/05/09)
What will we do without her? That's the common reaction to the announcement that Priscilla McReynolds is retiring after 13 years at the Marshall Public Library. Her impact is evident everywhere you look in the library. Her dedication to the library (only 19 years old itself) is admirable...
Adventures in Libraryland: 'Seasons Readings' brings local authors together for book signing Saturday, Nov. 8 (11/07/08)
With Halloween over, we are officially in the holiday season and some of our thoughts turn toward shopping. This week, the library offers several options in that pursuit. Just in time for holiday gift giving, the Marshall Public Library presents "Season's Readings: Local Authors, Book Readings."...
Adventures in Libraryland: Gentlemen, start your worms (06/18/08)
Worms to the starting line! On your mark! Get set! Go! Thursday, June 19, at 7 p.m., the Marshall Public Library will hold its very first worm races. I know that everyone has a lot of questions about what worm races actually consist of. So here is the easiest answer...
Adventures in Libraryland: Summer Reading Program: Catch the reading bug (06/11/08)
Wow! That is really the only way to say it. Our annual summer reading event this year completely took me by surprise. We have had more than 50 children register for the summer program before the first week has even passed. We are going to keep you filled in on what is taking place, as well as what is coming up...
Adventures in Libraryland: Gearing up for summer: A children's book review (05/28/08)
On the very last day of school for the year, I talked to Trinity Ann Stewart, 7 years old, about some of the things she liked to do in her free time. The daughter of Steven and Jenna Stewart, of Marshall, has a lot of things she is interested in, including soccer, baseball, going to the YMCA, and, of course, reading...
Adventures in Libraryland: New face behind the library's circulation desk; Book sale set for May 9-10 (05/07/08)
I'm pleased to announce that we have a new circulation clerk at the library. Denise Parris comes to us from Florida but was born and raised in Columbia. We encourage everyone to stop in and welcome her. The library's semi-annual Book Sale takes place all day on Friday and Saturday (May 9 and 10). There will be a variety of children's books as well as paperbacks. You don't want to miss it!...
Adventures in Libraryland: Marshall library launches storytelling group (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: Quack! Meow! Hello! A children's book review (04/25/08)
One of my favorite things about working with books is that, in all honesty, we have a book for everything. Whether your child is getting ready for their first dentist visit, or getting ready for the first day of school, or any one of the million things families get to look forward to, we have a book that will help you out...
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: Children's book review: Sophia reads 'Cookie's Week' (03/19/08)
This week in the children's area we are talking to four-year-old Sophia Bolser, daughter of Don and Karen Bolser of Marshall. I interviewed Sophia about the book "Cookie's Week" by Cindy Ward and Tomie dePaola. Sophia read this whole book to me by herself (I was so proud of her!) and then we sat down to talk about it...
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: 'Tummy Troubles' in the children's room -- a book review (02/20/08)
Attendance for our children's story times has soared since I was given the opportunity to work with the kids at the Marshall Public Library. Every week we meet wonderful new kids eager to join in with the songs, stories and crafts. Already, after only a few months, I could not imagine the library without the laughter of our "regulars."...
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...
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. ...
AMY CRUMP, Library director
Adventures in Libraryland