Hello! Welcome to the Howard County Library!

Thank you to all our patrons!

As we stop and take time this month to remember what we're thankful for, we think of our Veterans on November 11th and we think about home and family on Thanksgiving. Here at The Howard County Library, we are also thankful for you, our patrons.  Come in and see us and have a wonderful November!

Find a book this november!

  October and Halloween are just memories by now and this month usually marks the beginning of a very busy time for most of us. Stores are advertising Black Friday sales earlier than ever and even though it is just the middle of November, Christmas music has begun airing on the radio and the stores have been decorated for the holidays!  It is easy to get frazzled during this time of year, so what better way to relax than with a good book!  We have something for everyone!  We have the latest bestsellers by some of our most popular authors: James Patterson, Nora Roberts, David Baldacci, Danielle Steel, Michael Connelly, Janet Evanovich and many more!  If you are looking for an old favorite,  we most likely have that too!  Do you need some inspiration for holiday cooking, decorating or gift-giving?  We can help you with that!  Whatever your reading needs during this time of year, chances are the library can find something for you.

Readers group meets at 5 pm on 1st Thursday of each month

 Once you have read those new best sellers, or an old favorite, or maybe a book that’s been on the shelves for a while that you have been meaning to read, you should join us on the first Thursday evening of the month.  This is the meeting day for our adult book club, “Readers.”  We would love to have you join us.  This club is an informal book club for anyone who likes to talk about books.You can share  your thoughts about the books you have read recently or just listen to what others have to say and maybe you will add to your list of books that you want to read!  We have lively and informative discussions and almost everyone leaves with something new to read.  It is a lot of fun and all adult readers are welcome!  Beginning with our November meeting on November 1 we will meet at 5 pm.

Story hours continue, Block day First Friday each month!

We will continue our regular programs during the fall and winter with Toddlers at 10 on Thursdays, Story Hour for older children at 11 on Fridays and Block Day, which is all day on the First Friday of every month.  Remember that the craft and activity center is open whenever the library is open!

Do you have a Genealogy question? Talk to our Resident Genealogist!

 Are you interested in genealogy.  Talk to our resident genealogist, Kathy Jo Biswell Brady.  Kathy has been our genealogist for more than two years,after the passing of Harold Kerr.  However, Kathy has been an active member of the genealogy department for many years.  She is well-versed and very knowledgeable in the field and has access to several databases in which to research.  Our genealogy room is located in the lower level of the library and is named the “The Glenn and Betty Collier Room.”  It is open every Friday from 1:00 to 4:00 pm.  It houses family and local histories, past obituaries and yearbooks, just to name a few items.  Also available is the book, “Howard County, Missouri, from Prairie Land to Promised Land”, a remembrance by Jim Steele, for sale for $25. Another book that we  have available  is “As We Remember the Courthouse Square.”  This book has stories and photos contributed by Fayette residents, featuring Betty Collier.  This book sells for $15. 

Do you want to support the library? Join Friends of the Library

  Some of you have indicated that you would like to do more to support our library. A great way to do that is to join “Friends of the Library!”  This is an organization open to anyone who is interested in the ongoing success of the library. An individual membership to join friends is $10 annually, while a family membership is $20. We also offer lifetime memberships for $200.  The purpose of Friends is to provide annual funding for the library collection, underwrite programs, such as The Summer Reading Program, Special Holiday events  and visiting author programs and to support the purchase of various items that cannot be fulfilled from the library’s operational budget.  We would love to have new members!

Visit the library Booksale!

Visit the library's Book Sale in the basement of the library.  All items are 50 cents.  You never know what treasures you might find!