This week, during National Library Week, is a perfect time to visit a community hub that’s all about learning, exploring and sharing.
The week offers several opportunities at Missouri River Regional Library:
• Throughout National Library Week, patrons may use canned food to pay off overdue fines. One can equals $1 in fines. All food collected will be donated to a local food pantry.
• All week long, library patrons can replace lost library cards for free.
• Today is National Bookmobile Day. The bookmobile will be parked by the MRRL Park from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Story Time will be at 10:30 a.m.
• On Saturday, the main branch at 214 Adams St. will wrap up the week with Patron Appreciation Day from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. The event features games, music, and free hot dogs, chips and soda.
• MRRL’s branch in Osage County will celebrate Patron Appreciation Day from 11 a.m.-12:45 p.m. Saturday. There will be games, music, and free hot dogs, chips and soda.
This is the 61st year libraries have celebrated the week, and libraries have changed with the times. However, they are just as important to our society now as they were then.
The first subscription library opened in Jefferson City in 1898.
The Carnegie Library at 210 Adams St. was constructed in 1902 with $25,000 donated by steel magnate and philanthropist Andrew Carnegie.
Since then, our library has grown to include DVDs, CDs, magazines, newspapers, microfilm, audio books and other electronic resources. The library hosts various community events, including movies, discussion groups about books and movies, art exhibits and events for young people.
Various community groups use the library as a meeting place, and the bookmobile serves patrons who aren’t able to get to the library consistently — or who find it more convenient for the library to come to them, especially in communities farther away from the building.
For the curious and those who love to learn — and we sincerely hope that’s all of you — take the time to stay connected to your local public library.
News Tribune