February 2025
February 2025 Standard News article
By Gaylee Harris, Director
Montgomery City Public Library
Last month, I wrote about some of the new things at the Montgomery City Public Library. Well, I have more to share! In addition to the new Tonieboxes and characters that tell stories, we purchased a variety of VOX books. A Vox book is a regular book and audiobook rolled into one. These fun books give you the benefit of reading the book and listening to it at the same time! Each book comes with an attached player with the ability to read the story, pause, skip forward or backwards, and can be used with or without headphones. Vox books engage readers with books and develop literacy skills need for success in school. A few easy picture books are Interrupting Cow meets the Wise Cracker by Jane Yolen, There is a Rainbow by Theresa Trinder, and Dot the Ladybug by Kallie George. Juvenile Vox books include The Night War by Kimberly Bradley, The Islands of Elsewhere by Heather Fawcett, and The Unlikely Hero by Rick McIntyre. You can find the Vox books in the Juvenile Section near the juvenile CD audiobooks.
There is a year-long and fun library program occurring right now called “1000 Hours Outside.” This is a global movement designed for any age child (or adult) and any environment. Join the journey and watch your life transform before your eyes. Nature holds tremendous power for each and every one of us at any age or stage. The average child spends 4-7 hours a day on screens, but only 4-7 minutes of unstructured free play outside each day. Since childhood is just shy of 9.5 million minutes, we must do our best to make every minute count. Reclaiming childhood and reconnecting families are the main goals of 1000 Hours Outside. You can register at MCPL and get trackers to record the time your child/family spends outside. Also watch for special outside library events that can count towards the 1000 Hours Outside. You can check www.1000hoursoutside.com for more information, activities, and trackers.
MCPL is teaming with the MU Extension Office to provide eight classes entitled “Families Eating Smart and Moving Move.” The classes, led by Kim Cullom, will empower families to live healthier lives by making healthy food choices and incorporating physical activity. You will learn quick and easy meal ideas, how to save time and money, ways to make movement fun, and guidance on healthy choices when eating out. There will also be fitness challenges and activities, tips for grocery shopping on a budget, and take-home recipes. The classes will be 1:00-2:00 pm on March 6, 13, 27; April 3, 17, 24; and May 1, 8. If you are registered and attend at least six of the eight classes, you can earn a free small appliance from the Extension Office. Register by stopping by or calling MCPL at 573-564-8022 or calling the MU Extension office at 573-564-3733.
The Montgomery City Public Library recently received a $6,518.00 summer library grant to fund presenters, programs, and supplies for the 2025 summer reading program, “MCPL Colors Your World.” This project is supported by the Institute of Museum and Library Services, under the provisions of the Library Services and Technology Act, as administered by the Missouri State Library, a division of the Office of the Secretary of State.
From June 1- July 31, MCPL will be hosting a variety of summer programs for children, teens, and adults. Besides our wonderful library summer programs, three professional groups will be showcased. On June 18, Will Stuck will present his edutainment program entitled “Will Stuck’s Pigment of Your Imagination: Van Gogh, Go, Go.” The Fishing Magician will entertain children with magic and learning on June 23 at 2:00 pm. On July 10, Uke 66 will give a ukulele workshop for teens and adults in the afternoon and a concert in the evening. More information for the “MCPL Colors Your World” summer reading program will be coming soon.
Don’t forget to register for the upcoming Adult Mario Kart Tournament that will be held on Saturday, February 8, beginning at 7 pm. Spots to compete are limited, but there’s plenty of room for spectators. Check out Montgomery City Public Library’s Facebook page for more information about upcoming activities.