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. I was mistaken for "the reporter" -- my husband -- by someone who wanted to get some information to him. And one particular day, the wind was so strong that although my bike was pointed downhill, I came to an almost standstill and had to pedal in order to keep moving.

The renovation project taking place at the library is similar to pedaling downhill. You know you'll get there eventually but the trip can be challenging.

While we were closed last week for said renovations, the bulk of the work in the main part of the library was completed. We have a heating and cooling system installed and it will actually be functional sometime soon. The room that once housed the genealogy materials has been painted and is now staff offices. The meeting room renovation is moving a bit slower but that work can be completed without interrupting library services. And so the trip toward our improvement goals continues.

Next week is National Library Week! Be sure to mark your calendar for several special events scheduled at the library:

Kathy Long, local teacher and children's book author, will be reading her latest book -- "The Runaway Shopping Cart" -- on Monday, April 16, at 7 p.m. in the children's room. Kathy will have copies available for purchase and autographing.

The Bus-eum Traveling Exhibit, telling the unknown story of German-American civilian internment in the United States during World War II 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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New books

Fiction

-- "The Refuge" by Sue Henry

-- "Heartstopper" by Joy Fielding

-- "Texas Showdown" by Elmer Kelton

-- "Spanish Dagger" by Susan Wittig Albert

Non-Fiction

-- "Renewing Your Wedding Vows" by Sharon Naylor

-- "Long Road Home" by Martha Raddatz

-- "In An Instant" by Lee & Bob Woodruff

-- "This Is Not the Life I Ordered" by Deborah Collins Stephens

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.