Many people think libraries are just a storehouse for books where the hard-nosed cardigan-wearing librarian says “Shhh!” all the time. That might be true of libraries of old, but not for your Montgomery City Public Library. While books are still at the core of MCPL, your library has so much more to offer! There are almost 25,000 books, magazines, audiobooks on CD, DVDs, games, kits, puzzles, and reference materials in MCPL’s collection. Since MCPL is part of the Missouri Evergreen consortium with 58 member libraries, patrons have access to a collection of 3.8 million items!

A library card is free for those who live within Montgomery City limits because they pay a yearly library tax. Those who live outside of the city limits of Montgomery City pay $25 a year for a library card because they do not pay a library tax. One hardback book from Barnes and Nobles would cost about $25.00. However, a library patron has access to the 3.8 million items in Missouri Evergreen. Now that’s a great deal!

The Montgomery City Public Library is also a community center at its heart. You’ll be warmly greeted as you enter into your library. There are meeting rooms for local clubs and businesses and quiet places for people to study, work, or read. You can often hear giggles and laughter coming from the little ones in the play-oriented children’s department. We look forward to our regulars that come in weekly and are excited when new folks come to get their first card. Come in for a tour and you’ll be surprised!

There are monthly FREE programs for all ages including preschool Story Time Adventures (weekly during the school year), Lego Club (all ages), Teen Thing, ABC Book Club (adults), and Adult Arts and Crafts. The Needle Arts Gathering and the Books & Beyond Club for developmentally disabled adults also meet monthly. MCPL hosts a Community Read and Conversation around issues that people in Montgomery County face. The library also hosts author events, movie nights, and other special performances throughout the year. There is an annual summer reading program for babies-preschool, school-age children, teens, and adults during June and July. This year’s “Oceans of Possibilities” summer reading program had 113 participants! These programs are free and do not require a library card for participation.

The Creation Station has been added this year, giving patrons many ways to explore their creativity, try new things, and even promote their own businesses. We currently have two Cricut cutting machines, a heat press, a Janome sewing machine, a virtual reality (VR) headset, a digital camera, a photo scanner, and a design computer with Adobe Creative Cloud software. Free training is available on each of these items. The Creation Station was provided by an IMLS grant under the provision of the LSTA by the Missouri State Library. 

STEAM to Go kits are brand new! There are twenty-eight kits in all for ages PreK-3 rd grade and 4th grade and up. There are many topics like science, math, phonics, construction, art, and games. Each kit contains a book on the topic as well as 2-4 activities that go along with it. They look like a super fun way for kids to learn. These will be available soon for check out. The STEAM to Go kits were provided by IMLS under the provisions of the LSTA by the Missouri State Library.

As you can see, there is so much more to the Montgomery City Public Library than just books! We invite you and your family to visit MCPL and take advantage of all that it offers. Feel free to call us at 573-564-8022 or email us at mcplmo@gmail.com if you have questions or would like more information.