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 MTL NEWSLETTERJULY 2026 |
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Great Libraries Need Great Friends I can't tell you how many times each day I hear someone say, "We love the library!" or "The library is doing amazing things—we're so lucky to have it." It's incredibly rewarding to know we're making a positive impact and providing services and spaces our community truly values. We're dreaming big about the future of Morrison Talbott Library, with exciting ideas to better serve our community. But, the truth is, we can’t do it alone. Have you ever wished you could help make our amazing library even better? Now you can. The library’s next chapter begins with YOU! The Friends of Morrison-Talbott Library is an independent nonprofit organization that raises funds, supports library programs, and advocates for our library. They're beginning an exciting new chapter—and we'd love for you to be part of it. We're inviting anyone who cares about the future of the library to attend our upcoming Friends Interest and Membership Meeting 📅 Monday, July 6
🕡 6:30 p.m.
📍 Morrison Talbott Library You don't need any special experience—just an interest in helping your community. Whether you want to volunteer, become a member, serve as an officer, or simply learn more, your presence truly matters. Together, we can write the next chapter for Morrison-Talbott Library! Jamie Library Director |
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The adventure continues with our Summer Reading Program, Knights of the Reading Realm: Embark on a Quest, One Book at a Time! Through August 1, 2026, readers of all ages are invited to complete reading challenges, enjoy engaging programs, and take part in plenty of merriment throughout the summer. There's still time to join the quest and discover all the library has to offer!
History buffs won't want to miss George Rogers Clark Takes the Illinois Country on Friday, July 10, at 6:00 p.m. Presenter John Lynn will share a fascinating slideshow about retracing the route of George Rogers Clark and his men during their daring 1778–79 Revolutionary War campaign. Traveling more than 1,000 miles by canoe and 250 miles by bicycle, Lynn followed Clark's path from Redstone Fort in Pennsylvania to Forts Massac and Kaskaskia in Illinois, and finally to Fort Sackville in Indiana. Discover the story behind this remarkable expedition and how it helped secure the Illinois Country during the American Revolution.
While you're visiting the library, be sure to pick up your Illinois America 250 Passport to Illinois, distributed by IL250.org, and begin exploring historic sites and attractions across the state. You can also celebrate our nation's history by viewing the History of the American Flag display on the library's lower level, generously donated by Amy Campbell and Carmen Heath, and the America 250 display in the lobby bookcases, thoughtfully created by the Whiteside Station DAR Chapter.
Then, set sail for an epic adventure at our private showing of The Odyssey on Monday, July 20, at 6:45 p.m. at RMC Waterloo. Based on the classic epic attributed to Homer, this action-packed film follows Odysseus on his perilous 10-year journey home after the Trojan War. Tickets are just $7 and must be purchased in advance at the library. Each ticket includes a youth popcorn, a drink, and a chance to win a prize.
Whether you're reading your way through the kingdom, exploring American history, or embarking on an epic cinematic voyage, there's something for everyone at Morrison-Talbott Library this July. We look forward to seeing you!
Sherri Adult Services Coordinator |
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At Morrison-Talbott Library, we believe everyone deserves
access to great books, movies, and more—no matter their situation. If you or someone you know can’t make it to the library due to illness, a medical condition, or mobility challenges, our Homebound Delivery Service is here to help. |
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Say You'll Remember Me
by Abby Jimenez
This instant #1 New York Times bestseller now features gorgeous step-back art and a preview of Abby's highly anticipated The Night We Met. No one does funny, emotional, life-affirming love stories quite like Abby Jimenez. She just keeps outdoing herself. Emily Henry There's no such thing as a perfect guy, but Xavier Rush comes disastrously close. A gorgeous veterinarian giving Greek god vibes--all while cuddling a tiny kitten? Immediate yes. That is until Xavier opens his mouth and proves that even sculpted gods can say the absolute wrong thing. Like, really wrong. Of course, there's nothing Samantha loves more than proving an asshole wrong ... unless, of course, he can admit he made a mistake. But after one incredible and seemingly endless date, Samantha is forced to admit the truth, that her family is in crisis and any kind of relationship would be impossible. Samantha begs Xavier to forget her. To remember their night together as a perfect moment, as crushing as that may be. Only no amount of distance or time is enough to forget what's between them. And the only thing better than one single perfect memory is to make a life--and even a love--worth remembering.
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The Ten Thousand Doors of January
by Alix E. Harrow
Korean edition of [The Ten Thousand Doors of January] by Alix E. Harrow. Los Angeles Times Bestseller. Finalist for the 2020 Hugo, Nebula, Locus, and World Fantasy Awards. In the early 1900s, a young woman embarks on a fantastical journey of self-discovery after finding a mysterious book in this captivating and lyrical debut. Korean edition translated by Jin Seon Noh.
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It’s hard to believe we’re already halfway through our Knights of the Reading Realm Summer Reading Program! If you haven’t registered yet or picked up your reading log bookmarks and challenge sheets, there’s still plenty of time to join the fun! The Summer Reading Program runs through Saturday, August 1, and there are lots of exciting prizes still up for grabs. Readers of all ages can participate by picking up a reading log bookmark. Read at least three books and return your completed bookmark to be entered into a drawing for gift certificates from local businesses. Youth ages 0–17 can also complete a Summer Reading Challenge game board. Finish any 8 activities and turn in your completed game board (one per participant) to receive: - A FREE movie ticket to RMC Cinema, generously provided by First Community Credit Union of Waterloo
- Two tickets to a Gateway Grizzlies Reading Night game on August 4 or September 5, with the opportunity to run the bases after the game
- An entry into a drawing for one of 75 Summer Reading T-shirts, courtesy of AIM Designs
- Turn in your game board by July 13 to be entered into an additional drawing for Monroe County Fair ride tickets
Be sure to help us celebrate another fantastic summer of reading at our Family Fun Night & Magic Show on Thursday, July 30, from 5:00–8:00 p.m. Bring the whole family for an evening filled with magical fun! From 5:00–7:00 p.m., enjoy open-house activity stations featuring crafts, games, and a special scavenger hunt. Throughout the evening, Christian the Magician will amaze guests with strolling close-up magic before wrapping up the night with his hilarious and entertaining Magic & Comedy Show beginning at 7:00 p.m. This free event is open to all ages, and no registration is required. Thank you for making this year's Knights of the Reading Realm Summer Reading Program such a success! We hope you've enjoyed a summer filled with books, adventures, and fun, and we look forward to welcoming you back this fall for another exciting season of library programs. Sincerely, Ms. Stephanie Youth Services Coordinator |
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We came, we browsed, we checked out—Repeat at
the next stop: Using Your Library Card at Other Libraries
We’ve talked a lot about how requesting items through IHLS or via
OCLC helps patrons get high-demand materials delivered right to their home library. But did you know that the benefits don’t end with daily deliveries?
Patrons can also visit another participating library in person and check out items directly. With your library card, you can visit any one of our 500+ libraries and borrow materials on-site. However, if you’ve been hoping to access certain “cool” items—like those in the Library of Things—just remember: those items are available based on the borrowing policies of the owning library.
The SHARE Mobile Library App has a tab for libraries nearby. By tapping that, you can see the closest (and the furthest, which is just over 200 miles northeast) libraries and what their hours are. Plan your next road trip and see how many libraries you can visit! If you’re looking for something fun to do in the autumn months, be sure to keep an eye out for more information regarding the Library Crawl in October 2026!
In addition to getting items faster, it’s also extremely fun to visit other libraries and see what their buildings, staff, and collections are like.
So, whether you’re requesting from home or visiting in person, your card opens doors to more collections—making it easier to find what you need wherever you are. Kara |
 Genealogy |
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 Illinois Libraries Present |
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