Get Free Books Through Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library

All Missouri children under five years old are now able to register for Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library. There is no deadline to register. The Imagination Library is dedicated to inspiring a love of reading by providing age-appropriate books each month to children free of charge.

In order to receive books, a parent or guardian must register their child on the Imagination Library national website. Books will be mailed directly to the homes of registered children every month.

Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library has already been available in some areas of the state thanks to the great work of the 57 local affiliates that distribute books to more than 17,000 Missouri children. Those children currently registered will be automatically enrolled in the new statewide program.

The statewide expansion of Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library was made possible through Section 178.694, RSMo, and $11 million included in DESE’s Fiscal Year 2024 budget for the distribution of books.

Since launching in 1995, Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library has become the preeminent early childhood book-gifting program in the world. The flagship program of The Dollywood Foundation, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, has gifted over 200 million free books in the United States, Canada, United Kingdom, Australia, and The Republic of Ireland. This is achieved through funding shared by The Dollywood Foundation and Local Community or State Partners.

The Imagination Library mails more than 2.6 million high-quality, age-appropriate books directly to children’s homes each month. Each child enrolled in the program receives one book per month from birth to age five – at no cost to families. Dolly envisioned creating a lifelong love of reading and inspiring children to Dream More, Learn More, Care More and Be More.

The program’s impact has been widely researched, and results demonstrate its positive impact on early childhood development and literacy skills. Penguin Random House is the exclusive publisher of Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library. For more information, please visit ImaginationLibrary.com

Newly Cataloged in March

We added these new books and media in the month of March 2024. You can access our catalog in the menu above and place books on hold for pickup at our window. Curbside pickup is currently available six days per week.

If you find that you’re waiting awhile for a book that is already checked out, you can always search our two eBook apps: Libby and Axis360 for the electronic version.

New Library Cards

What Can You Get With a Card?

  • Access to books, audiobooks, and DVDs from Evergreen affiliated libraries across the state
  • Access thousands of ebooks, magazines, and audiobooks on your tablet or mobile device
  • Access to over 25 online databases and resources
  • Public-use computers
  • MORE!

Who Can Get a Card?

  • Residents of Marshall MO can get a free library card
  • Students, teachers, and educators within Saline County can get a free card
  • Missouri Valley College students can get a free card
  • Visitors to Marshall can get a $6 card for 12 weeks
  • Anyone else can get a card for $25 per year ($20 over age 62)

For more details about our card policy CLICK HERE

Stop By and Sign Up Today!

One of our newest patrons, Henry, was so excited to get his own library card that his mom had to snap a few pictures to commemorate the occasion! We love that Henry loves the library so much! Thanks to Henry’s mom, Sarah for sharing her photos.

Blackstone Unlimited Audiobooks

Hey there, MPL Patrons! 🎉 We’re thrilled to introduce Blackstone Unlimited, your gateway to over 6,000 audiobook titles in every genre imaginable. The best part? No waiting in line – zero holds! 🚀

Ready to dive in? Sign up today with just your email address and MPL card number. Visit Blackstone Unlimited or snag the app on your Apple/Android device. Need a hand? Call us or swing by with your device, and we’ll get you set up. Happy listening! 📚🔊

Growing Together in Our Backyards

MARSHALL, February 20, 2024 – Marshall Public Library is delighted to announce a captivating series of evening programs aimed at fostering a sense of community and promoting the joys of experiencing the outdoors. Titled “Growing Together in our Backyards,” this program series will feature local experts sharing their knowledge on various aspects of gardening, landscaping, and backyard activities.

The series kicks off on Thursday, February 29, at 6:30 with “How does my garden grow?” presented by John Carton. Whether you’re a novice or an experienced gardener, Carton will provide insights into maximizing your backyard space for a bountiful harvest without overwhelming maintenance.

Isabelle Guthrey takes the stage on Thursday, March 14, at 6:30 with “I think that I shall never see a poem as lovely as a tree.” Offering guidelines on planting lasting yard features, Guthrey will delve into the selection of tree varieties suitable for our climate and essential considerations before planting.

On Thursday, March 28th at 6:30, Carter Fawkes will explore the buzzing world of bees with “What’s that buzz?” This program will provide practical beekeeping tips while emphasizing the critical role bees play in our ecosystem.

Janet Bryan invites attendees on an off-site adventure on Thursday, April 11, at 5:30 with “For the beauty of the earth.” Participants will gather at the library before heading to Bryan’s backyard on Brunswick St., where a variety of flowers will serve as the backdrop for learning how to cultivate a beautiful flower garden.

Concluding the series on Thursday, April 18, at 6:30 is “Here a cheep, there a cheep; cheep, cheep,” presented by Kristi Butner. Sharing her experiences as a backyard chicken and duck farmer, Butner will provide tips on raising these feathery friends and anecdotes to keep the audience entertained.

All programs are free and open to the public. Marshall Public Library encourages everyone to join and discover the joys of growing together in our backyards. For more information, please contact Library Director Matt Rahner at 660-886-3391.

Promotional Flyer for the Growing Together Series

New Books Added in February

We added these new books in the month of February 2024. You can access our catalog in the menu above and place books on hold for pickup at our window. Curbside pickup is currently available six days per week.

If you find that you’re waiting awhile for a book that is already checked out, you can always search our two eBook apps: Libby and Axis360 for the electronic version.

New Books Added in January

We added these new books in the month of January 2024. You can access our catalog in the menu above and place books on hold for pickup at our window. Curbside pickup is currently available six days per week.

If you find that you’re waiting awhile for a book that is already checked out, you can always search our two eBook apps: Libby and Axis360 for the electronic version.

Chess Extravaganza: Join the Fun at Your Library!

Get ready for some chess excitement at your library! Whether you’re a seasoned player or just getting started, we’ve got two fantastic opportunities for you to showcase your skills over the chessboard.

1. Homeschool Chess Club:
Every Wednesday from 11 AM to 12 PM, join our Homeschool Chess Club for a fun-filled session of strategic moves and friendly competition. It’s a perfect way to enhance your chess skills while connecting with fellow homeschoolers in a welcoming environment.

2. All-Ages Chess Club:
Wednesday nights are all about chess at the library! From 5:30 PM to 6:45 PM, bring your family and friends to our All-Ages Chess Club. Whether you’re a chess prodigy or a casual player, this is the place to be for an evening of chess, camaraderie, and enjoyment. All skill levels are welcome!

Don’t miss out on the excitement—join us for engaging chess games that bring our community together. We look forward to seeing you at the library for strategic moves, laughter, and the joy of playing chess with fellow enthusiasts!

In observance of Martin Luther King Jr. Day, MPL to close for the Holiday.

Marshall Public Library will be closed Monday, January 15th in observance of Martin Luther King Jr. Day. His National Holiday falls on his actual birthday this year! King Jr. was born on January 15th, 1929. Explore the fascinating history of creating Martin Luther King Jr. Day as a National Holiday with this article from the National Museum of African American History & Culture.

 “To me, [King] is the outstanding international leader of the 20th century without ever holding office. What he did — I doubt anyone else could have done.” Bill sponsor, Rep. John Conyers (D-Mich.), on King’s legacy.

New Books Added in November

We added these new books in the month of November 2023. You can access our catalog in the menu above and place books on hold for pickup at our window. Curbside pickup is currently available six days per week.

If you find that you’re waiting awhile for a book that is already checked out, you can always search our two eBook apps: Libby and Axis360 for the electronic version.

1 2 3 7