MTL NEWSLETTER
MARCH 2026
https://waterloolibrary.org/
NEWS FROM THE DIRECTOR
Innovation at Your Library: Introducing 3D Printing!

At Morrison-Talbott Library, we believe a public library should grow alongside its community. That’s why we are always looking ahead and asking ourselves: How can we open new doors of opportunity for you?
 
I’m thrilled to share that 3D printing has arrived at MTL……and it’s just the beginning.

This new service allows community members to transform digital designs into tangible objects. Whether you're a student creating a school project, an entrepreneur testing a prototype, a hobbyist exploring a creative idea, or simply curious about new technology, we are here to help you bring your ideas to life.

Even more exciting, 3D printing marks another step in the growth of The MakerSpace at MTL, a space dedicated to creativity, hands-on learning, innovation, and possibility. We’ve already been hosting our amazing craft and art classes in the MakerSpace, and soon we’ll be announcing additional tools for your use. Our vision is to continue expanding opportunities that empower lifelong learners and support the evolving needs of Waterloo.

Libraries today are not just places to borrow books (although we certainly love our books!). Really, libraries are places to build the future. We are proud to keep growing with you, and for you.
 
Stop in for more information or to take a peek at our new 3D printer in action. You can also visit our MakerSpace webpage for details.

I can’t wait to see what you create!

Warmly,
Jamie Wratchford
Director
 

 
MARCH CALENDAR
 
 
ADULT PROGRAMS & SERVICES
February was a busy and rewarding month for our adult patrons here at the library! Our Adult Winter Reading Challenge wrapped up in mid-February, and we were thrilled with the response from the community. A total of 55 adults participated, logging an impressive 36,080 minutes of reading during the challenge.
 
We had several standout readers this year. Laura McCreight led the way with an incredible 4,200 minutes read! Christine Braswell followed with 2,700 minutes, and Nikki Ehrenstrom and Sue Oerter each logged 2,400 minutes. What an accomplishment! Not to be outdone, our library staff joined in the fun as well, collectively reading over 16,000 minutes. It’s always wonderful to see our staff modeling a love of reading right alongside our patrons.
 
Congratulations to the winner of this year’s Adult Winter Reading Challenge, Amber Hinterthuer!! We hope everyone who participated discovered a new author, explored a different genre, or simply carved out a little extra time to relax with a good book during these cold winter months.
 
Thank you to all who joined us. We love seeing our community come together through reading, and we’re already looking forward to our next challenge!
 
Stop by the library this March to celebrate America’s 250th birthday with special displays throughout the building! The Daughters of the American Revolution have created a commemorative exhibit in the glass bookshelves near the fireplace honoring this milestone anniversary. Be sure to visit the lower-level Art Exhibit Hallway to view posters from the DAR contest, “Illinois Celebrates America’s 250 Birthday!” While you’re there, enjoy a beautiful watercolor exhibit by talented local young artist Claire Kessler. There’s something inspiring waiting for everyone!
 
Join us for a special Library Movie Night on Tuesday, March 24th at 6:45 p.m.! RMC Cinema will host a private showing for library patrons of Project Hail Mary , starring Ryan Gosling and based on the novel by Andy Weir. Tickets are $7.00 and must be purchased in advance at the Morrison-Talbott Library by March 21st. The ticket price includes a youth popcorn and drink. Please note: this film is for ages 18 and up. Don’t miss this out-of-this world night at the movies!
 
We hope you’ll stop by the Morrison-Talbott Library soon, whether you’re looking to learn something new, connect with friends, or simply enjoy a quiet moment with a good book, there’s always something here waiting for you.
 
Sherri
Adult Services Coordinator
 
MARCH ADULT PROGRAMS
 

HOMEBOUND DELIVERY
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.
 
Visit our website to learn more about this program and how to apply: https://waterloolibrary.org/homebound-delivery/
 
BOOK CLUB PICKS
 
 Moxie & Mocktails Book Club
 
Meeting March 26 @ 7:00 PM
The Unmaking of June Farrow by Adrienne Young
The Unmaking of June Farrow
by Adrienne Young

NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER - A woman risks everything to end her family's centuries-old curse, solve her mother's disappearance, and find love in this mesmerizing novel from the author of Spells for Forgetting.Come for the fresh twist on time travel; stay for the love story.
 Page Turners Book Club
 
Meeting March 18 @ 3:30 PM
Wild Dark Shore: Reese's Book Club Pick (a Novel) by Charlotte McConaghy
Wild Dark Shore: Reese's Book Club Pick (a Novel)
by Charlotte McConaghy

A novel about a family living alone on a remote island, when a mysterious woman washes up on shore--
Book Recommendations - What Will You Read Next?
Check out our library Goodreads page!   Courtesy of Friends of the Morrison-Talbott Library

 YOUTH PROGRAMS & SERVICES
It’s a Beautiful Day at the Morrison-Talbott Library!

We’re excited to celebrate Mr. Rogers’ birthday on Friday, March 20 with a special storytime and puppet workshop at 2:00pm. We’ll read stories, learn about Mr. Rogers and his message of kindness, and each child will create their very own puppet to take home. Registration is required so we can be sure to have enough supplies for everyone. To register, email mtl@waterloolibrary.org or call 618-939-6232.

March Scavenger Hunt
We will have an egg-stra exciting scavenger hunt happening all March long! Each week, new egg pictures will be hidden around the youth library with a special code word. Find an egg, fill out an entry form, and you’ll be entered to win an Easter basket filled with goodies. Visit each week to earn more chances to win. Thank you to the Danny Schwartz Insurance Agency for sponsoring the prize baskets!

Stuffed Animal Sleepover
A big thank-you to all the kiddos and their stuffed animal friends who joined our Stuffed Animal Sleepover during Take Your Child to the Library Weekend! Stuffies spent the night at the library, enjoying storytime, making new friends, and exploring the youth library. When families returned the next day, they received a scrapbook filled with photos of their stuffed animal’s overnight
adventures and it was so much fun to see their excitement! Be sure to check out some of the pictures below!
 

We hope to see your family at the library soon!

Ms. Stephanie
Youth Services Coordinator
MARCH YOUTH PROGRAMS
View a complete list of our youth programs on our website here
 
CATALOGER'S CORNER
 
Searching within the SHARE Mobile Library
The app is a fantastic resource where you can easily access and manage your account. The app is also great for placing items on hold, renewing current checkouts, and exploring the library’s inventory.

When searching for a specific title, you can streamline your results by selecting “Format” and narrowing down options based on title, author, popularity, type of material, and more. Choosing “My Library” allows you to see what is currently available at your local branch.

A helpful tip: the first listing often represents the most recently updated record processed by our catalogers. Before placing an item on hold, be sure to check the availability indicator, which appears as “Book – # of # available.”Generally, the higher the number, the better your chances of securing that item—especially for popular titles or new releases.

Since there are often multiple editions or similar titles, taking a moment to review these details will help ensure you select the item that best fits your needs. 

You can find the SHARE Mobile Library app in your phone’s play store.
 
Kara
Cataloger
 
LIBRARY HIGHLIGHTS
Genealogy 
Library of Things
 
Illinois Libraries Present
 
 
 
LIBRARY NEWS
What’s Happening with the Old Library Building?

It’s one of the questions we hear most often and soon, you’ll see some activity at the house.

As spring arrives, a new roof will be installed on the historic Morrison home at 219 Park Street. This important update helps preserve a building that has served Waterloo for generations.

The home, built in 1898 by Col. William R. Morrison and gifted to the City in 1909 for use as a public library, housed the Library from 1911 until 1996. When the current building was constructed next door, it provided expanded space and full ADA accessibility. The Library continues to own the original home, which is structurally sound and currently used primarily for storage and occasional small gatherings.

As Waterloo grows, so does the community’s use of our library. While the future of the Morrison home has not yet been determined, significant upgrades, particularly for accessibility, would be necessary for it to function as a fully integrated part of the modern library.

For now, the new roof is both preservation and possibility, a first step in caring for this historic space as we thoughtfully consider what comes next.

Just for fun, here’s a rare photo of the home and property.
 
E-RESOURCES
 
Here are just a few of the great resources you can access for FREE with your library card! Check out a complete list HERE:
 
 https://waterloolibrary.org/electronic-resources/
 
 
 
Want to know more about what's going on at the library? Follow us on social media! 
For more details or questions, please contact the library. 
Morrison-Talbott Library
215 Park Street
Waterloo, Illinois 62298
618-939-6232

https://waterloolibrary.org