February 2024 Standard News article

By Gaylee Harris, Montgomery City Public Library Director

Did you know that the Montgomery City Public Library has a helpful updated website?  The www.mcplmo.com website has a plethora of information about the library and links to other important resources. 

MCPL belongs to the Missouri Evergreen Consortium of 60+ libraries around the state. That means there is over 4.25 million items that can be borrowed.  By clicking on the Missouri Evergreen button, it will take you to the catalog for all the MO Evergreen Libraries.  You can select Montgomery City Public Library from the Library pull down menu to search for something in our local library.  If we do not have what you are looking for, select Missouri Evergreen in the Library pull down menu at the top of the list and hit search.  It will search ALL the libraries.  Once you found what you are looking for, you can place a hold on it using your library card number.

The tabs at the top of the page have drop down menus that take you to specific information.  The About Us tab will introduce you to the staff and Board of Trustees as well as link you to the library’s policies, annual reports, and strategic plan. 

Have you ever wondered how to get a library card?  Just look under the How do I tab.  This tab will also show you how renew and reserve books, reserve a room at the library for studying or a meeting, and use the Libby and Boundless (old Axis360) apps for e-books and e-audiobooks.   The Services tab takes you to pages about the free Wolfner Talking Book and Braille Library and other services that MCPL offers.  If you would like more information about the Wolfner Library, please contact me at 573-564-8022.  The Calendar & News tab gives you important announcements and dates for upcoming events.

The Learning Resources tab is one of my favorites to use.  There is so much great information in here!  Some require you to log in or create an account with your library card number.  Under Online Resources, check out A-Z Databases.  Learning Express Computer Skills, Digital Learning, Financial Literacy, and Teen Health & Wellness are top-notch sites to help anyone.  The VetNow site offers assistance to veterans and their families with skills, job coaching, and resume writing. Learning Express Library offers review and practice tests for civil service, military, real estate, citizenship and law enforcement. 

We have two new databases that are particularly helpful: Niche Academy and Creativebug.  Niche Academy has video tutorials on how to use different computer programs, social media, and library resources.  Click on the Niche Academy link or the “Learn More” button to explore. 

Do you want to learn a new hobby?  Improve a craft skill?  See new techniques for your favorite hobby? If you are a crafter, artist, or maker, you will love Creativebug!  Creativebug “has thousands of award-winning art & craft video classes taught by recognized design experts and artists.” These include knitting, sewing, quilting, calligraphy, paper art, painting, sketching, jewelry making, and many more.  There is also a special section just for kids.  This unlimited resource will inspire you at any age.  You will need to log in with your library card number and set up a free account for this site. 

Don’t forget to check the numerous other informative databases and links under the Learning Resources tab.  There are lists of MCPL’s book club discussion kits, the Creation Station, the Library of Things, STEAM to Go kits, and Memory Matters Kits.  If you are interested in genealogy, look at the genealogy databases that can help you research your family tree.

Teachers and homeschool educators have their own tab that links to a variety of educational sites.  A Teacher Resource form is available for any teacher or homeschool educator with an MCPL library card.  They can request library materials that go along with their units of study.  Library staff will carefully select materials based on the criteria provided on the form.  Please send in the form two weeks before the materials are needed. 

Sometimes life gets rough and you need a helping hand.  Click on the Community Resources tab to find contact information for a variety of resources from around Montgomery City and County.

These are just a few highlights of the Montgomery City Public Library’s website.  Take time to explore all the tabs and links at www.mcplmo.com. You might be surprised at all the things you can learn!