New Services and Spaces in 2016 Pave Way for 2017
December 29, 2016 — We understand if you find yourself asking, “Where did the month of November go?” It’s been a busy year in the Library, too. If you didn’t catch it all, here’s a digest of new services and newsy developments that you’ll also find in 2017.
- Library card holders could begin checking out the 2,500-plus Ozarks Genealogical Society materials housed in the Library Center’s Local History & Genealogy Department.
- Wi-Fi hot spots were added for checkout, giving patrons Internet service at home and on the road. Reserve one at thelibrary.org/catalog, keyword Hot Spots.
- The Strafford Branch Library added 1,250 square feet for study and reading rooms.
- Nationally known author and Hank the Cowdog creator John Erickson met fans during the Big Read celebration of “True Grit.” (In April 2017 meet “Finding Winnie” illustrator Sophie Blackall, Jacqueline Winspear of the Maisie Dobbs series and Dr. Jay Winter of PBS’ “The Great War and the Shaping of the 20th Century.”)
- The Friends of the Library moved to a bigger space in the Ozark Empire Fairgrounds E*Plex for the spring and fall 2016 book sales. Next sale is April 26-30.
- A Smithsonian Institution exhibit “Exploring Human Origins. What Does It Mean To Be Human?” attracted hundreds of adults to the Library Center to consider the question with scientists and theologians.
- StoryWalks® began, featuring each page of a child’s book on sign posts along park trails for families to read on walks. The next one begins Jan. 13 at the Springfield Conservation Nature Center.
- A new Kids page debuted on thelibrary.org/kids, with book lists, links to library sites, Toy Catalog and Parent Blog (suitable for grandparents, too.)
- A series “Death & Dying: Conversations on End-of-Life Matters” brought audiences and nationally known authors and experts including Dr. Angelo Volandes, Caitlin Doughty, Thomas Lynch and Roz Chast.
- The Brentwood Branch Library, closed for renovation in April, opened a temporary site in the Brentwood Center. That closed Dec. 23 to prepare for the Jan. 7 reopening of the renamed Schweitzer Brentwood Branch.