Having worked with librarians for the past 17 years, I can honestly report that they are the smartest bunch of people I know. So if it’s reliable and knowledgeable information from an expert that you need, I can point you in the right direction: the eight branches and bookmobile of the Springfield-Greene County Libraries.

The librarians are always there to answer your questions, but if you want really personal service, make an appointment with the librarians who have had years of experience researching thousands of topics.

“Our librarians know how to use the research tools that are available to them,” said Library Center Manager Lorraine Sandstrom. “They have a deep knowledge and interest in specific areas. These two traits make them really valuable assets to library patrons.”

Are you interested in tracing your family history and don’t know where to start? Well, your long-lost family may be hiding in the library in the local history and genealogy departments. To answer your questions about researching your roots, call Victor Kohman at 865-1340 at the Library Station or Sharol Neely, Michael Glenn and John Rutherford at 883-5341, extension 128, at the Library Center.

Maybe you’ve been thinking about starting your own business and you need information to make a decision. Or, you’d like to know a little more about investments and stocks and bonds. Business Reference Librarian Mike DePue most likely has the answers.

What’s new in the world of nonprofits? Reference Librarian Aleah Weltha can clue you in about the Funding Information Center and other nonprofit resources. For an appointment with DePue or Weltha, call the Library Center at 882-0714, extension 196.

If it’s more convenient, make your appointment online on the library’s web site at thelibrary.org/asklib.cfm.

Jeanne C. Duffey, community relations director for the Springfield-Greene County Library District, can be reached at jeanned@thelibrary.org.