February is National Library Lover’s Month.
As a school librarian and president of the Cassville Area Friends of the Library, it’s not surprising that I love our public library.
I often joke that I like books more than people. Give me a great book, a comfy chair, and a cozy blanket and I can check out from socializing for quite a while. Libraries give book lovers like me an endless supply of materials to lose ourselves in.
However, a library is more than just a building that houses books. A library facilitates human connections.
The mission of the Barry-Lawrence Regional Library is “Connecting People to the Transforming Power of Knowledge.” Libraries bring communities together through books and programming. A public library gives everyone in our community access to books while valuing inclusivity and encouraging growth through learning opportunities.
Four years ago, I walked into the public library in Cassville to pick up books for our students at Purdy. I was a new librarian and, honestly, I was overwhelmed, stressed, and feeling lonely in my new position.
I was warmly greeted by the librarians who quickly became my friends, supporting me and guiding me through my first years as a librarian. These connections have made an immense impact on my career and I attribute much of my success to these relationships.
Libraries serve a variety of needs, both emotionally and educationally. In my case, my need for human connection was fulfilled. However, many patrons seek activities to socialize or to enrich their children’s learning. Libraries can meet all of these needs.
Our public library offers a variety of activities each month for patrons of all ages. The activities appeal to a wide range of interests. The library offers the summer reading program for children, teens, and adults. There are storytimes for toddlers and homeschool sessions for children. Adult programming includes wreath making, painting, and informational presentations on topics such as gardening and driving. In the summer, the library also sponsors movies at Roaring River State Park.
The Cassville Area Friends of the Library provides the additional funding needed to make these library programs possible. I was invited by my library friends to join the organization. Serving as president is my small way of saying thank you for the immeasurable ways librarians and our public library have helped me.
I invite you to join Cassville Area Friends of the Library also. We meet four times a year and our membership fee is a donation amount of your choice. Helping to ensure that our public library can continue to provide educational opportunities through programming is an excellent way to show how much you love our library.
Michelle Hilburn is the president of the Cassville Area Friends of the Library and a librarian at Purdy schools. She may be reached at mhilburn@purdyk12. com.
