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. Shortly after Coleman's Plumbing did the plumbing work for the project, I ran into Doug Coleman and asked him for the bill for his labor and time. He reported that the cost was a donation to the library. I want to offer Mr. Coleman my most sincere appreciation for that gesture of goodwill and support for the library.

On a lighter note, the Teen Pizza Taste Test on Saturday was the location for some serious consideration. The participants were very thorough in their evaluation of four pizzas: Mazzio's, Domino's, Pizza Hut and Tombstone cheese pizzas. Using the criteria of crust, sauce, and cheese, they narrowed it down to a winner and I'm pleased to announce that the teens ranked Domino's as the Best Pizza in Town!

Don't forget the monthly Pitch Party this Saturday, March 24, from 2 to 4 p.m. There will be prizes for low and high points.

New books

Fiction

-- "Leaving Home" -- Anita Brookner

-- "At Some Disputed Barricade" -- Ann Perry

-- "Scattered Leaves" -- V.C. Andrews

-- "Shopaholic & Baby" -- Sophie Kinsella

Library events

Preschool Story Time -- each Tuesday morning at 10 a.m. Games, stories, crafts. Appropriate for children approximately 3 to 7 years old.

Pajama Story Time -- each Monday at 7 p.m. Everyone is welcome. Wear your jammies or come as you are. Games, crafts, stories.

Wee Ones Lap Time Story Time -- for babies up to 24 months old, each Wednesday at 10 a.m. Interactive finger play and song time for mothers and babies.

How can I support the Marshall Public Library?

Bring your receipts from Patricia's into the library when you're returning or checking out books. Each month, Patricia's Foods will donate a portion of the collected receipts to the library.

When purchasing items from Amazon.com, use the link to Amazon that appears on the Marshall Public Library's website: www.marshallpublib.org. A portion of your purchase will go to support the library.

Consider joining Friends of the Marshall Libraries. Membership forms are available at the library.

Honor a mentor. Celebrate a friend. Commemorate an event. A gift to the Marshall Public Library is a unique and enduring way to pay tribute to friends and family. Your generosity will be a lasting source of joy and enrichment for the community.

For additional information, please call (660) 886-3391 with any questions.