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. About a third were kidnapped by U.S. agents in other countries and brought here by force. None had a lawyer, or were charged with, tried for or convicted of a war-related crime. Many were imprisoned for the duration of that global war, and for years after it ended.

Suspected terrorists? Inmates at Guantanamo Bay? No. 15,000 German-American civilians the U.S. Government interned between 1941 and 1948.

Using ten narrative panels, an NBC "Dateline" documentary and a 1945 U.S. government color film about this story, TRACES' mobile museum -- a retrofitted school bus called the BUS-eum 2 -- will be at the Marshall Public Library on Monday, April 16, from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m.

The exhibit is free and open to the public and is accompanied by a community panel presentation by Marvin Wilhite and Paul Gieringer at 7 p.m. in the City Council Chambers.

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The Murrell Memorial Library is collaborating with the Marshall Public Library to present a series of book discussions for the general public with the theme, "A Mind of Her Own: Fathers & Daughters in a Changing World."

Any adult who loves to read and learn is invited to participate in discussions led by MVC professor, Dr. Claudia Milstead, at the Marshall Public Library. This is a free, public reading and discussion program offered by Murrell Memorial Library.

Books will be provided at no cost to registered participants, All discussions take place in the conference room of the Marshall Public Library, and they are on Wednesdays at 7 p.m. on the following dates: May 16, June 6, June 27, July 18 and Aug. 1.

Please register by April 12 to ensure availability of free books. Call Marilyn at 831-4005 to register.

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.