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

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!

Local Painter George Caleb Bingham

George Caleb Bingham (1811–1879) spent his youth in Arrow Rock, Missouri, and became one of America’s greatest nineteenth-century painters. His famous paintings of American frontier life along the Missouri River include: Fur Traders Descending the Missouri, The County Election, Stump Speaking, The Verdict of the People, and Daniel Boone Escorting Settlers through the Cumberland Gap.

At the Marshall Public Library we have numerous books and one video documentary detailing Bingham’s biography and paintings. Click the links to visit each title in our catalog:

Biography of Justice John Marshall, Whose Namesake is Marshall, MO

“John Marshall” by Richard Brookhiser is available at Marshall Public Library.

This book from award-winning biographer Richard Brookhiser vividly chronicles Chief Justice John Marshall, of whom the town of Marshall, Missouri was named.

In 1801, a genial and brilliant Revolutionary War veteran and politician became the fourth chief justice of the United States. He would hold the post for 34 years (still a record), expounding the Constitution he loved. Before he joined the Supreme Court, it was the weakling of the federal government, lacking in dignity and clout. After he died, it could never be ignored again. Through three decades of dramatic cases involving businessmen, scoundrels, Native Americans, and slaves, Marshall defended the federal government against unruly states, established the Supreme Court’s right to rebuke Congress or the president, and unleashed the power of American commerce. For better and for worse, he made the Supreme Court a pillar of American life. (description from Amazon)

Richard Brookhiser is a senior editor of National Review and the author of eleven books, including James Madison, Alexander Hamilton, American, and Founding Father: Rediscovering George Washington.

“Writing Local History Today,” A Guidebook

Writing Local History Today: A Guide to Researching, Publishing, and Marketing Your Book’ by Mason and Calder is available at Marshall Public Library.

Writing Local History Today guides local historians through the process of researching, writing, and publishing their work. Mason & Calder present step-by-step advice to guide aspiring authors to a successful publication and focus not only on how to write well but also how to market and sell their work. Highlights include:

  • Discussion of how to identify an audience for your writing project
  • Tips for effective research and planning
  • Sample documents, such as contracts and requests for proposals
  • Discussion of how to use social media to leverage your publication
  • Discussion of the benefits and drawbacks to self-publishing
  • An essay by Gregory Britton, the editorial director of John Hopkins University Press, about financial pitfalls in publishing

This guide is useful for first-time authors who need help with this sometimes daunting process, or for previously published historians who need a quick reference or timely tip.