November 2025
November 2025 Standard News article
Gaylee Harris, Director
Montgomery City Public Library
November is a busy time for families. There are football games, cookouts, bonfires, camping trips, parent-teacher conferences, and holiday feasts to name just a few. Do you ever feel that you need some downtime with your family? A break from the rush? Maybe a break from technology?
You should bring your families to the Montgomery City Public Library. MCPL is a welcoming and comfortable place to hang out, sip some coffee, catch up with friends, and have a kids play date. And it’s free! You only need a library card if you want to check out an item- or ten- to take home.
Besides a beautiful mural of Missouri wildlife, the children’s department has a play-based area which is great for young children (although I’ve seen teens having fun with their siblings in there too). There is a kitchen with plastic food, utensils, pots, pans, mixer, apron, and chef’s hat. There’s also a pizza set, birthday cake set, and a tea set for all to enjoy. All the makings for a great party! Don’t forget to invite literary friends like Curious George, Clifford, Paddington, and Rainbow Fish to the party too.
Maybe your child would rather build like Bob the Builder. There’s a tool box, Legos, Duplos, wooden blocks, and magnetic tiles for them to enjoy. Creativity comes alive through the puppets and puppet theater. Young ones can practice caregiving with a baby doll set and a doctor’s kit. Another popular toy set is the light boxes with translucent counters, shapes, letters and numbers. Children’s puzzles and games are also available. Don’t forget you can just read books together too! A comfy chair and ottoman are near the mural just for this!
Besides the wonderful kitchen and toys, there are five AWE computers for kids to enjoy. The three Early Literacy AWE computers in the children’s area are for preschool and kindergarten students. The two After School Edge AWE computers in the juvenile area are for elementary school age children (kindergarten through fifth grade). Parents don’t have to worry since the AWE computers have age-appropriate educational games and do not hook up to the internet.
Children (babies-age 5) and their caregivers are invited to our weekly MCPL Storytime Adventures. We meet on Mondays at 10:00 am for fun stories, rhymes, fingerplays, activities, and crafts that reinforces early literacy skills.
Several families often play before or after Storytime Adventures in the children’s department. This gives the adult caregivers an opportunity to talk to other adults, form friendships, and schedule playdates outside of the library. These adult connections are just as important as the children’s.
Families can also have fun with other programs at MCPL. The Robotics Classes are the first Saturday of the month from 9:15 am-12:30 pm. There are three different classes:
Circuit Creators for 2–6 year-olds (9:15-10:00 am), Electric Explorers (10:15-11:00 am) for 7–12 year-olds, and Dynamite Designers for 13-17 year-olds (11:00 am-12:30pm). Monthly registration is required. Pleas stop by the library or call 573-564-8022 to register your child.
Most children love building things. Our Lego Club meets on the second Saturday of the month from 10:00-11:00 am in the Community Room. No registration is required. This Lego program, for ALL ages, is a time for creativity and imagination to come alive.
Movie Nights are another fun event for families. Movies will be shown on the first Saturday of the month beginning at 7:00 pm. “Free Birds” will be shown on November 1, 2025, at 7:00pm. According to IMDB, “A pair of turkeys discover a time machine and decide to use it to travel to the first Thanksgiving, to take turkeys off the menu forever.” This PG movie is for all ages. Free popcorn will be available too! You’re welcome to bring comfy chairs, blankets, or pillows to use while watching the show. December’s movie will be shown on December 6, 2025, at 7:00 pm.
In Montgomery City, the public library is much more than a place to borrow books—it’s a welcoming space where families can learn, explore, and grow together. The Montgomery City Public Library is at the heart of our small-town community, offering free resources, programs, and fun for all ages. Bring your family to check out MCPL!