August 2010

You’ve probably seen it cruising down the highway or parked in front of a local school. With its big, tall sides painted to look like a book shelf, it is hard to mistake the Bookmobile for anything other than what it is – a library on wheels.

             Marshall County has been enjoying Bookmobile service since 1954 when they begin sharing the service with Calloway County . In 1964, thanks to the Kentucky Department of Libraries and Archives, Marshall County got their very own Bookmobile, and has continued the service ever since.

             “The need for a Bookmobile service continues to grow,” says Donna Jones, who has served as the Bookmobile Librarian since 1997. “There will always be a need for home delivery services. The Bookmobile not only provides them with reading material, but also a little bit of human interaction to brighten their day.”

             The Bookmobile currently visits forty-three different stops each month, traveling nearly 1,000 miles. To find out where the Bookmobile currently travels, or to set up a stop near you, please visit your local branch of the Marshall County Public Library or log onto their webpage at www.marshallcolibrary.org.

JULY 2010

When Nancy Petty first started working at the Calvert City branch of the Marshall County Public Library in March of 1980, it was located in the basement of City Hall and employed one full time and one part time employee. Things certainly have changed over the past thirty years.

                 Today, the branch has a staff of seven employees, including Petty, who became the branch manager in January of 1986. In October of 2006 they moved to a new building on Park Road, just off of Fifth Avenue. The new location boasts 9,000 square feet, six public access Internet computers, and a collection of over 40,000 books and DVDs.

                 “Our library is continually growing,” says Petty. “Since moving to the new location our circulation has nearly tripled, and we’re signing up new patrons every day. People have said that the Internet would be the end of public libraries, that we would become irrelevant, but we’ve proven that to be untrue. “

                 In fact, it’s the very thing many thought would bring about the end of public libraries that has been instrumental in increasing their usage nationwide.  With 99% of public libraries offering free public access to Internet capable computers, libraries are the go-to place for people who need a place to get online.  According to a study by the American Library Association, nearly one third of Americans over the age of fourteen used a library to access the Internet in the past year. That’s an increase of almost 76%.

                 Petty confirms that Internet access is a big draw for libraries. “Many people cannot afford to have a computer and high-speed Internet in their homes, especially in this economy. If it wasn’t for the library, many people wouldn’t have a place to get online, which is a vital part of our modern world.”

                 Internet access computers are available at all three branches of the Marshall County Public Library. The branches at Benton and Calvert City also offer free wi-fi.  For more information about public access computers and the library’s usage policy, please contact your local branch or visit www.marshallcolibrary.org.

JUNE 2010

 Kim Darnall

  If you have driven through Hardin lately, you have probably noticed the construction going on at 4640 Murray Highway , the site of the new building for the Hardin branch of the Marshall County Public Library.  

            The new 9,000 square foot building - which was designed by Castleberry-McGregor Architects and is being built by Pinnacle, Inc. – will boast more public access computers for patrons and a more spacious public meeting room in addition to housing the library’s collection of books, movies, and reference materials.  

            “We are so excited to be getting the extra space,” says branch manager Kim Darnall. “The space we have now is only 2,500 square feet, and we’re really packed in there. Once we move, we’ll be able to offer more programs and expand our collection.”  

            Darnall has worked for the Marshall County Public Library System for twenty-six year, the last fourteen of which has been at the Hardin branch.  “We have been waiting for this expansion for quite some time. It’s hard to believe that it’s almost here,” she states.  

            The projected project completion date is September of this year.

April 2010

Tara Copeland & Shaye Coursey

National Library Week, April 11 – 17, is a time to celebrate the contributions of libraries, librarians and library workers in schools, campuses and communities nationwide.

The Marshall County Public Library will be celebrating National Library Week by offering fine forgiveness to patrons bringing in canned goods to donate to the Marshall County Needline during the week of April 11.  Additionally, each of the library’s three branches (Benton, Calvert City, and Hardin) will be drawing daily door prizes throughout the week.

“Libraries are the heart of every community and our library helps our community thrive,” says Shaye Coursey, who will be appearing on library ads during the month of March.  “We offer services for people of all ages, backgrounds, and incomes.  It truly is a place that everyone in the community is welcome.”

 Tara Copeland, who will be appearing alongside Coursey library’s ad campaign, agrees.  “Public libraries strive to meet the needs of the whole community in every way possible.  Our collection boasts a wide range of authors and topics to appeal to a broad audience, and our programming attempts to reach people of all ages and interests.”

 Coursey and Copeland both work at the Benton branch of the Marshall County Public Library.  Coursey, a 2006 graduate of Calloway County High School, is married to Tyler Coursey and has been working at the library since November of 2005.  Copeland, a 2007 graduate of Marshall County High School, started working with the library through the county’s summer work program when she was sixteen.

 For more information on the Marshall County Public Library System and their National Library Week plans, please visit any of the three branch libraries or visit them online at www.marshallcolibrary.org.

May 2010

Janet Springer & Kelly Groves

The Marshall County Public Library will be joining other libraries, schools, and bookstores around the world in promoting literacy and a love of books to children. Children’s Book Week, which began in 1919 and is administered by the Children’s Book Council, will take place during the week of May 10.
                 “Children are our future,” says Kelly Groves, Children’s Librarian for the Marshall County Public Library. “It’s important to reach out to them at this young age to encourage them to read and become lifelong readers.”

Groves offers a variety of programs throughout the year to children ages 3-12. This year she will be using Children’s Book Week to kick off sign-ups for summer programs.

“Our two main programs this summer are Story Time, which is for 4-6 year olds, and the Children’s Summer Reading Program, which is for 6-12 year olds,” says Janet Springer, who also works in the Youth Services department. “Those programs both occur throughout the summer at all three branches of the library. We also offer a program for 3 year olds at the Benton branch of the library once a week.”

Groves and Springer encourages parents to stop by any branch of the Marshall County Public Library during Children’s Book Week to sign their children up for one of the programs being offered. A special sign-up table will be available during each branch’s normal After School Program time and will feature handouts and prizes. At the end of the week all participants signed up for summer programming will be entered into a drawing for a special prize.  

MARCH 2010

Ann Williams and Barbara Wathen

Popular Magazines and Newspapers Can Be Found At Local Libraries

In March the Marshall County Public Library will be highlighting their collection of magazines and newspapers with ads and posters featuring Ann Marie Williams and Barbara Wathen.  

Each branch of the Marshall County Public Library System subscribes to various newspapers and magazines to meet the needs of their patrons.  Between the three branches they receive over one hundred magazines, including popular titles such as Consumer Reports and People, and local newspapers along with national papers, such as USA Today and The Wall Street Journal.  

“People tend to think that magazines and newspapers will disappear in the digital age, but I don’t believe that’s true,” says Williams.  “Many of us need to feel the book in our hand and be able to turn the pages.  You can’t do that with a computer.”  

Wathen agrees, “Even with the Internet, I still love to read magazines.  Southern Living and Taste of Home are among my favorites.”  

Williams, a Wisconsin native, has been with the Marshall County Public Library since 2008.  Wathen, the wife of Tom Wathen, began working with the library in 1992.  She has two children, Jamie and Joshua, and three grandchildren.  Both women work at the Hardin branch.  

February 2010

Ginger Russell 

February is a big month for Adult Services at the Marshall County Public Library

 Every February adults in Marshall County take up a unique challenge: Read as many books as possible in order to gain prizes.  This challenge, known as the “I Love To Read” program, is an annual event for the Marshall County Public Library’s Adult Services Department.

 “As an adult reader I’ve found that books are a great getaway and stress reliever,” says Ginger Russell, Adult Services Librarian.  “Our annual adult reading program is a great excuse for people to take the time to get lost in a book and leave the cares of the real world behind.” 

 “I Love to Read” lasts the entire month of February, with the Grand Finale being held at the Benton branch of the library on March 02, 2009.  Sign-up for the program ends on February 05, 2009.  Participants receive prizes based on number of books read.

 Russell has worked for the public library system since 2002.  Two years ago she took on the newly created position of Adult Services Librarian where, along with organizing the annual “I Love to Read” program, she takes on special duties as a reference librarian and reader’s advisory expert. 

 “I truly love my job at the library,” she states.  “I like helping people, getting to play detective as I dig for a piece of information for someone.  It can be a challenge, but it’s fun.” 

Russell lists Karen Kingsbury amongst her favorite authors, although she sights June Bug by Chris Fabry as her favorite book.  She is a lifelong Marshall County resident and has three children – Ashley, Aaron, and Austin – with her husband, Jeff.

January 2010

Kristi Tucker Oversees Growth
and Changes at the 
Marshall County Public Library  

          JANUARY 2010 – In April of 1991 Kristi Tucker began her career at the Marshall County Public Library as the Bookmobile Librarian.  In 1997 she was promoted to Library Director.  

          “The library, like the community it serves, has grown and changed a great deal over the past decade,” says Tucker.  “We have expanded the library @ Benton, built a new building @ Calvert City, and begun construction on a new building @ Hardin.  Our collection is constantly growing and the changes we have seen in technology are mind boggling.  We are continuously changing to keep up-to-date.”  

          According to Tucker, the library system serves several primary functions in the community - a meeting place, an education center, an entertainment provider, and a hamlet of essential resources.  Patrons can take advantage of a range of services, including software, reading material, films, Internet access, and programming.  The goal is to provide materials, services, and programs for patrons of every age group, from children to the elderly.  

          “We pride ourselves in meeting the needs and preferences of our patrons.  Our collection is a reflection of titles, genres, and subjects that are popular in our community.”  Tucker points out the Young Adult collection as an example.  “The Harry Potter and Twilight series have brought a lot of teen and adult readers to YA.  As a result, our YA collection and programming has grown and expanded to meet the demand.”  

          The Marshall County Public Library System consists of three branch libraries – @ Benton, @ Calvert City, and @ Hardin – plus bookmobile service throughout the county.  The system is overseen by a Board of Trustees comprised of community members who serve to ensure that the library is doing everything it can to serve the residents of Marshall County.   

          “The library’s Board of Trustees and staff work hard to keep up with the wants and needs of our patrons,” says Tucker.  “We all feel compelled to do our best to give back to the community.  I, for one, feel blessed to work in a place as supportive as Marshall County.”  

          Kristi Tucker has two sons – Travis, an eighth grader at Benton Middle School and Justin, a student at Murray State University.  She and her husband, Gordon, are life-long residents of Marshall County.  In addition to her duties as the Director of Marshall County Public Library, Tucker also serves on the Kentucky Public Library Association’s (KPLA) Legislative, Standards, and Conference Planning Committees, and was named the 2008-2009 Chair of KPLA.

November 2009

Braydon Erwin has been chosen as the November Patron of the Month for the Marshall County Public Library System.  Braydon will appear in a series of ads, posters, and bookmarks throughout the month.

           Braydon, age eight, is a third grader at the Benton Elementary School.  His grandparents, Bob and Nancy Elkins, make certain that he gets to visit the library on a regular basis so that he can attend the Monday After-School Programs and check out lots of books by his favorite author, Dav Pilkey.  Braydon also loves sports, especially baseball and basketball. 

           Another one of Braydon’s interests is cars.  In the ads for the library he is pictured with a Mustang.  “I really like Mustangs,” he said during the photo shoot.  “Maybe I’ll get one when I’m old enough to drive.”         

December 2009

      Sophie and Holland Russell will serve as the Marshall County Public Library’s Patrons of the Month during December.  Posters, bookmarks, and print ads will feature photographs of the children set against the backdrop of Patti’s 1880’s Settlement’s festive holiday light display.  

      Sophie, age 10, and Holland , age 6, are the children of Bethany and Keith Russell.  Sophie is a fan of the American Girl, Laura Ingles Wilder, and Fancy Nancy series, while her brother likes books about dinosaurs.  The Russells are a home-school family.

     The Marshall County Public Library System has a variety of books to get you in the holiday spirit.  Choose from a wide selection of holiday fiction titles by popular authors, like Debbie Macomber and Linda Lael Miller, or children’s books that celebrate the joy of the season.  In the nonfiction section you will find books on holiday crafts, decorations, and even cookbooks filled with suggestions for potlucks and family dinners.  To learn more about all the available titles, visit your local branch of the Marshall County Public Library or log on to www.marshallcolibrary.org.

October 2009

The Marshall County Public Library (MCPL) will be celebrating Teen Read Week™ October 18 -24, 2009.  They join thousands of other libraries, schools, and bookstores across the country who are encouraging teens to celebrate this year’s theme, “Read Beyond Reality @ your library®.”  Teen Read Week is the national adolescent literacy initiative of the Young Adult Library Services of America (YALSA), the fastest-growing division of the American Library Association.  This year’s theme encourages teens to read a wide variety of materials that are out of this world, just for the fun of it.  

            During the week of October 18 teens, ages twelve – eighteen, can come into any branch of the MCPL to have their book fines removed and receive a glow-in-the-dark zombie when they check out books.  Additionally, the Young Adult Services Department will be offering two programs – a Thriller Dance tutorial will be given at the Benton branch at 3:30 PM on Tuesday, October 20, and a Zombie Survival Seminar will occur at the Calvert City branch on Friday, October 23, at 5:00 PM.  Students in grades seven – twelve are welcome to attend both events.

                      Another way the MCPL will be celebrating Teen Read Week is by featuring members of their Young Adult Advisory Panel (YAAP) on posters, ads, and bookmarks during the entire month of October.  YAAP is a group of students in grades eight – twelve that assists the Young Adult Librarian, Tammy Blackwell, plan events throughout the year.  

            “I have a really great group of teens that are passionate about books and the library,” says Blackwell.  “Together we share a goal of increasing readership and library usage amongst local young adults.”  

            The YAAP members featured in the library’s October Marshall County Reads campaign are Meg Mahoney, Rachel Mahoney, Katie Calvert, Nicki Bullmer, Laurann Brogoto, Tori Story, Cassidy Hodge, Devon Case, Timberlee Penn, Sarah Telle, and Sharon Price.

September 2009

 The Marshall County Public Library System has chosen eleven year old Emily Strader as the September Patron of the Month.  Strader, a sixth grader at North Marshall Middle School and lifelong library user, will appear on posters, advertisements, and bookmarks over the next several weeks.  She is the daughter of  Kevin and Tammy Strader.

           This month the library will be celebrating Marshall County’s Family Week.  The annual event features many different activities that families can participate in throughout the week.  The library will be hosting a Family Read Night at the Benton branch from 4:30 to 6:00 on Thursday, September 10.  The event will include snacks, prizes, and entertainment provided by Scott Shupe who will presenting a “World of Reptiles”. 

           “Many people view reading as a solitary task, but that isn’t necessarily the case,” says library employee Lenisa Jones.  “Reading can be a social activity for families, from reading aloud to small children to discussing favorite plot twists in the book that you and your teen both enjoyed.  We encourage families to make reading a part of their lives.”

           Strader couldn’t agree more.  “My mom has always read a lot of books.  When I was little she would read picture books to me.  Now that I’m older and read on my own I sometimes read the same books she did when she was my age, and sometimes we both like the same books, like the Twilight series.” 

                   For more information on Family Read Night please contact your local branch of the Marshall County Public Library or visit their website at www.marshallcolibrary.org.

August 2009

Coleton Jones will serve as the Marshall County Public Library’s Patron of the Month during August.  Throughout the month posters, bookmarks, and ads will feature Jones.

             Jones, 9, is the son of Crystal Jackson and Jeremy Jones.  He is a member of the Marshall County Orange Waves Swim Team and the Paducah Swim Team.  He loves to visit the library to check out his favorite books, the Captain Underpants series by Dav Pilkey, and the Sandlot movies.  

            The Marshall County Public Library offers a wide variety of medical books to the public.  Readers can find books on dieting, back pain, diabetes, and other topics in the nonfiction section of the library.  Other titles, such as the most recent edition of The Physicians Desk Reference, can be found in the reference section.

July 2009

Mariah and Jayden Kelley will serve as the Marshall County Public Library’s Patrons of the Month during July.  Throughout the month posters, bookmarks, and ads will feature the Kelley children.  

            Mariah and Jayden are the children of Phillip and Janice Kelley of Benton , Kentucky .  Mariah, age five, loves shopping, Hannah Montana, and going on vacation.  Her favorite books are An Angel of my Own and Happy Adoption Day.  Jayden, age four, is a big fan of Spiderman and Batman.  His favorite book is The Three Billy Goats Gruff.  

            The Marshall County Public Library offers a wide variety of fantasy titles.  From classic fantasy to modern urban fantasy, your local library has you covered.  Stop by to check out titles by popular authors like JRR Tolkien, Margaret Weis, Tracy Hickman, Jim Butcher, Charlaine Harris, Holly Black, and Patricia Briggs.

June 2009

Maddie, Will, and Isaac Darnall will serve as the Marshall County Public Library’s Patrons of the Month during June.  Throughout the month posters, bookmarks, and ads will feature the Darnall children.

             Maddie and Will are the children of Chad and Kim Darnall.  Maddie is a six year old student at the Benton Elementary School who participates in Upward Cheerleading and enjoys playing outside.  Her favorite book is Butterfly Kisses by Bob Carlisle.  Will, age three, attends the iKids Enrichment Center and enjoys playing outside and pretending to be a superhero.  His favorite book is Nighttime is just Daytime With Your Eyes Closed by Mark Lowry.  Isaac, who will celebrate his second birthday next month, is the son of Brad and Carissa Darnall.  Isaac is an avid ball player and handy man.  His favorite book is Little Quack Hide and Seek  by Lauren Thompson.

             All children and teens are encouraged to participate in one of the library’s summer reading programs during the month of June.  Children in grades one through six are invited to participate in the Be Creative Children’s Program while those in grades seven through twelve can participate in the Express Yourself Young Adult Program.  Children’s Story Hour is also available for children between the ages of four and six.  More information on these programs can be found at your local branch of the Marshall County Public Library System or online at www.marshallcolibrary.org.

May 2009

Emma Nelson, the Marshall County Public Library’s Patron of the Month, is excited about this year’s Summer Reading Program theme for children – Be Creative @ Your Library.  Emma loves summer programming at the library and, as a budding young artist, knows there will be lots of creative programs to peak her interest this year.

            The Marshall County Public Library offers two different programs over the summer months.  Children in grades two through six can participate in the Children’s Summer Reading Program, which meets at each of the library branches once a week during the months of June and July.  The Young Adult Summer Reading Program is open to students in grades seven through twelve and offers prize incentives for self-paced reading throughout the summer.  Story Hour will also continue throughout the summer for children ages four through six.  Sign-up for these programs begins during the month of May.  More information on all youth programming at the library can be found at your local branch of the Marshall County Public Library System.

            Emma is the six year old daughter of Chris and Christi Nelson.  She attends Eastwood Christian Academy and enjoys reading, swimming, painting, and drawing.  Her favorite authors are Eric Carle, Jan Brett, and Lois Ehlert.

April 2009

April 12-18 is National Library Week, a time to celebrate the contributions of libraries, librarians and library workers in schools, campuses and communities nationwide -  and the perfect time to discover how worlds connect @ your library.

The Marshall County Public Library System is celebrating National Library Week this year with the help of Annie Beard, who will appear in a series of advertisements, posters, and bookmarks for the library during the month of April  

“Everyday, libraries in big cities and small towns, colleges and universities, in schools and in businesses help transform their communities,” says Kristi Tucker, Library Director.  “At our library, people of all backgrounds come together for community meetings, lectures and programs, to do research with the assistance of a trained professional, to get help finding a job or to find homework help.  We offer programs for people of all ages, including preschool, grade school, teen, and adults.”  

First sponsored in 1958, National Library Week is a national observance sponsored by the American Library Association (ALA) and libraries across the country each April.   

Patron of the month Annie Beard is the four year old daughter of Andy and Chaney Beard.  She attends the Kids First Preschool at the Benton Church of Christ and is active in the Elements program there.  Some of her favorite things are swinging, reading books, singing, and playing with horses.  She also loves to play with her cousins, Gabe and Tory Driskill, and Lily Hays. During the summer she enjoys swimming and going to the special programs offered at the library.

March 2009

Ben and Brady Burkeen will serve as the Marshall County Public Library’s Patrons of the Month during March.  Throughout the month posters, bookmarks, and ads that highlight the library’s sports collection will feature the Burkeen children.  

            The Marshall County Public Library offers a variety of books on sporting activities.  Biographies of favorite athletes, rule books, history of games and gaming, coaching tips, and even fiction titles can be found among the shelves.  These books cover a wide range of sports, from basketball to hunting to gymnastics.  

            Ben Burkeen, age 5, is in Ms. Jessica Watkins’s kindergarten class at Benton Elementary School .  He is an avid Star Wars fan and loves books devoted to his favorite characters.  Ben also participates in golf, soccer, and baseball.  Brady Burkeen, age 1, loves to play sports with his big.  His favorite books are about Elmo and animals.  Ben and Brady are the children of Matthew and Shauna Burkeen.

February 2009

Preston and Peyton Lamb will serve as the Patrons of the Month for the Marshall County Public Library during the month of February.  The two will be featured in posters, bookmarks, and ads that highlight the library’s collection of cookbooks.

             The Marshall County Public Library has a wide variety of nonfiction titles, including cookbooks.  All three branches of the library – Benton , Calvert City , and Hardin – carry a wide variety of cookbook titles that include everything from recent cooking celebrities like Paula Deen to the local classic WCBL/Homemakers cookbooks.

             The Lamb children are the four year old twins of Paul and Dusti Lamb.  Preston loves to play baseball with his dad, pretend he’s a pirate, work with his Handy Manny tools, and watch Disney movies.  His favorite books are the I Spy books, Click Clack Moo- Cows that Type, and Berenstein Bears Get the Gimmies.  Peyton loves to play with her baby dolls, pretend she’s a teacher, help mom cook and set the table, and go to dance class.   Her favorite books include Do Princesses Wear Hiking Boots, Queenie Farmer had Fifteen Daughters, and the Strawberry Shortcake books.  Both children attend the Marshall County High Preschool.

             February is also the time of year that the library encourages readership among adults with their I Love to Read program.  The annual event is open to all patrons over the age of eighteen.  Participants are awarded prizes based on the number of books that they read and a party is thrown at the end of the month.  For more information on this year’s I Love to Read program contact any branch of the Marshall County Public Library.

January 2009

Sarah Vinson will serve as the Marshall County Public Library’s Patron of the Month during January.  Throughout the month posters, bookmarks, and ads that highlight the library’s legal collection will feature Miss Vinson.  

            The Marshall County Public Library offers a variety of services for those looking for legal information.  In addition to books on state and federal law, each branch also has a collection of books that contain legal advice and forms.  Recently the library has added Westlaw Online to their collection of online databases.  The database - which enables patrons to easily research former cases, statutes, and laws - is accessible through the Benton branch. The subscription to the database was provided by Marshall County Law Library Trustees and is available for all library patrons.  

            Miss Vinson, who was photographed at the old Benton courthouse, is in the third grade at Benton Elementary School.  She is eight years old and the daughter of Lee and Melissa Vinson and an avid fan of the Marshall County Public Library.  She regularly participates in the Monday after-school program and can be found at the library most afternoons.