Monticello Public Library, a gem in our community

To the Editor,

   Camp Courageous…Austin Strong Playground…pickleball courts…endless sports facilities/fields…delicious restaurants…What do all these have in common? They are part of the pride of our small town.

   Another facility that needs praise is our public library. Faith, Penny, and Molli work endlessly to plan and promote activities for all ages. From preschoolers to senior citizens, there’s a resource, activity, or experience waiting for you!

   The literacy experiences are endless with 350 kids participating in the past Summer Reading Program. There’s also Storytime for preschoolers, multiple book clubs for all ages, plus movie nights and curriculum (STEAM) to help support homeschoolers. There are eBooks/audiobooks, interlibrary loans, and lots of books on the shelf to choose from.

   What else? Do you want to learn how to knit? How about listening to vacationers share about their trip to Europe? How about a craft or painting experience? How about planting seeds? Would you like to hear about an author’s experience in writing a great novel? Come enjoy the card-playing and gaming days, too!

   Finally, the library is committed to staying updated for all users. Do you need the interest to fill out a job application? Or do homework? What if you need to learn another language? Did you know they have a monthly mental health group? Do you need someone to proctor a test for you? Do you want to read the newspaper for free? How about copying, scanning, or faxing something? Better yet, go for a fall walk near the (Baty) frisbee (disc) gold course and see the interactive Storywalk. The 21^st Century support and services are endless!

   We can get confusing messages from the media about the lack or importance with libraries. Nothing could be further from the truth! This is a terrific use of taxpayers’ dollars in our community; we should all be supporting our library. How can you do that?

   Stop in and get a library card…pick up their monthly calendar or go online to see more about their monthly activities. Volunteer to help with an event, join a book club, or use one of their services.

   Finally, the Friends of the Library would love your membership and donations in helping to keep our library one of the best around. Check them out on Facebook!

   Our public library is a gem in our community…come see for yourself!

Deb Pingel

Monticello, Iowa