Library crawl gives Harrison County readers a reason to hit the road
Jill Schaben, Dunlap Correspondent
Six library stamps gave Harrison County residents a reason to hit the road in September. Along the way, they found new books, activities for children and a few things they did not know their libraries offered.
The first Harrison County Library Crawl invited participants to visit public libraries in Dunlap, Logan, Missouri Valley, Modale, Mondamin and Woodbine. Visitors picked up a passport at any participating library and received a stamp at each stop. Those who collected all six stamps were entered into a prize drawing.
Mary Ellen Young and Jan Roberts of Dunlap completed the route together in one day. They arrived at the Logan library when it opened at 10 a.m. and reached Woodbine before its 1 p.m. closing time.
"It was a fun day," Young said. "We visited with the librarians for a little bit. Most of them were really happy to show us around."
Young noticed the variety of large-print collections and items available to borrow, including hand tools and hand mixers. Roberts, an avid cook, was pleased to find cookbooks for sale in Woodbine. Both took time to look through the children's areas, where they saw puzzles, games and activities.
Susan Hein spread the trip over three days with her sister, Janet Hough. In Logan, Hein noticed a computer for adults near a playpen, allowing a parent to use the computer while keeping a child close by.
"I love libraries and reading and to see what they have to offer," Hein said.
The visits also helped participants learn how to use libraries beyond their hometowns. They could obtain cards at more than one library, and a courier service allows them to return items from other participating libraries to their home library.
Libraries welcomed visitors with items such as bookmarks, snacks, bags and travel games. More than 30 people had their passports stamped at the Dunlap Public Library. Some visitors told librarian Paula Evans they had never been to certain parts of Harrison County before the crawl.
Evans used the visits to introduce people to Dunlap beyond the library, suggesting a tenderloin at the Dunlap Dairy Sweet and a stop at the StoryWalk in Pleasant View Park.
Visitors complimented the Dunlap library's open layout and fireplace, Evans said. Roberts agreed that the fireplace and nearby chairs give her hometown library a welcoming feel.
The three Dunlap women said they would like to see the crawl return. They also came home with ideas for their library: more large-print books, puzzles and games for checkout, a coffee nook and more puzzles for younger children. Young said Evans' knowledge of patrons' reading tastes is one of the library's strengths.
"She's a personal librarian," Young said.
Evans hopes the crawl encourages people to keep visiting, whether they are looking for books, movies, children's activities, internet access or a place to sit.
"I want to tell everyone who participated thank you," Evans said. "I hope you enjoyed the experience. I hope you had a good road trip, and please do it again."
