Our research has revealed many women were committed to getting a public-funded library established in Columbia, but Mrs. Emily Harshe stands out as a founding mother. In an address to the Missouri Library Association conference and the Kiwanis Club in 1927, E.A. Logan was quoted as saying, “Thirteen years ago, [the Columbia Public Library] was located in a ratty, obscure room of the courthouse and Miss Lelia Willis was the only one in town who gave any time toward its maintenance. Mrs. Emily Harshe, the ‘mother’ of the library of Columbia, is responsible for putting it on its feet.”

The One Read reading panel of community members from Boone and Callaway Counties narrowed the list of more than 230 book suggestions for the 2021 One Read title to two top contenders. From April 4-22, you can cast your vote for either “The Big Door Prize” by M.O. Walsh or “Deacon King Kong” by James McBride.

Vote online at oneread.org.

As a high school student, did you eagerly climb out of bed every morning, go to class, get your homework done and take every test? Or did other challenges get in your way and make it hard to finish school? Whether or not you finished high school can have a large effect on your career options and how much money you earn.

August Nielsen calls both Boone and Callaway counties home. “My family and I have lived in Boone County for 20 years. Additionally, I spent my adolescence in Callaway County, so it’s especially gratifying to me to be on the board of trustees serving both Boone and Callaway counties!” August is employed in the people services department at Veterans United Home Loans in Columbia.

In recognition of David Lile’s retirement, some of David Lile’s longtime KFRU listeners and Cumulus Radio are asking donations be made in his honor to the Daniel Boone Regional Library Foundation. David has been actively involved with the library’s annual One Read program since its inception, and the library wishes David the best in the next chapter of his life.

Even though people with dementia struggle with remembering events, places and people, there are ways you can help them recall some of their past joys. Triggering their memories in some way may help them feel reconnected and loved. Discover some of the tools available at your library for stirring reminiscences in your loved ones.

Welcome to the new year! Here at the library, 2022 is the year we celebrate 100 years of tax-supported library service in the city of Columbia!

We will have special events throughout the year to look back on those 100 years. We owe a debt of gratitude to the Columbians who voted for the first library tax levy, and also to the dedicated members of a number of service organizations who provided the first free public library service to the community prior to 1922.

Since we introduced 1,000 Books Before Kindergarten last September, more than 1,465 preschoolers and their families have signed up! We see families coming in regularly to get their reading incentives and their reading log for the next 100 books of the program. Sign up online and get started! The 1,000 Books Before Kindergarten program is open to kids ages 0-5.