Some educators are becoming concerned that students may experience a “COVID slide,” meaning they may fall behind academically due to school closures and altered teaching methods during the pandemic. You may be concerned, too. To overcome these obstacles, the Daniel Boone Regional Library is introducing a new free online learning resource called Brainfuse that makes tutoring available to all students.

Inspired by this year’s One Read book “A Gentleman in Moscow” we invite Mid-Missouri artists ages 16 and older to contribute works that explore the experiences of isolation and confinement.

The exhibit will take place September 1-26 and will be viewed virtually at www.orrstreetstudios.com.

The tax aide volunteers at the Columbia Public Library are again available to help people fill out their income tax returns before the extended deadline of July 15. Please note some changes in how the service is offered so that the process is safer for both the preparer and client.

Reservations are required. No walk-ins are allowed. Those needing assistance can call the Columbia Public Library at (573) 443-3161 to add their name to a list. Masks are required.

The library actively supports diversity in our communities as affirmed by our Principles of Community statement.

We are deeply saddened by the killing of George Floyd and the pain that has caused. We are grieving with our community, and especially our Black friends and neighbors.

As your public library, we pledge to continue working toward building a community that embraces diversity. Our doors are open to give all equal opportunity to live a rewarding life.

We’re so appreciative that the Callaway County voters value their library and passed Proposition L. Now we’ll be able to expand the library’s outreach services to more seniors and preschoolers throughout the county, add more digital and printed reading materials to the collection and keep the Holts Summit Public Library open with expanded hours.

This is a bright spot in a most challenging year. Thank you to everyone who supported, campaigned and voted “yes” for the library levy.

All branches of the Daniel Boone Regional Library are now open, with limited hours. Visitors and staff are required to wear a face mask while in the library. In accordance with the Boone County health order currently in force, occupancy limits are lifted but patrons are still being asked to limit visits to an hour. Curbside hold pickup is available in Ashland, Columbia and Fulton.

As part of the Daniel Boone Regional Library’s phased-in reopening plans, library patrons can place holds online or by calling their library, and pick up their requests at designated curbside pickup spots. “Our library buildings will remain closed and bookmobiles won’t be making visits yet, but we are offering curbside pickup beginning May 18 for holds at the Callaway County, Columbia and Southern Boone County Public Libraries. People in southern Callaway and in northern Boone can pick up holds from the Library-To-Go lockers in Holts Summit and Hallsville,” said Margaret Conroy, executive director of the Daniel Boone Regional Library.