WE ARE THE
BARRY-LAWRENCE
REGIONAL LIBRARY
Our Mission:
“Connecting People to the Transforming Power of Knowledge”
Our Credo:
Connect, Transform, Inspire
More info:
As a two-county consolidated library district, our mission is to:
• Provide an organized collection of books and related educational and recreational materials for the residents of Barry and Lawrence counties
• Give guidance in their use
• Assist people in their search for reliable information and for enjoyment
• Encourage continuous self-education in order to advance an enlightened citizenship and to enrich personal lives
A variety of programs, including story hours, homeschool enrichment, summer reading promotions, book talks, exhibits, movies, and other cultural events will be provided for all ages. Cooperation with other libraries and with schools, both public and private, will be a priority. Cooperation with groups and community agencies to provide stimulating educational and cultural activities will be encouraged in all branches.
Technological applications that enhance library services will be provided. The impact of technology, specifically electronic communication, and information, is crucial in today’s society. It is the aim of the Barry-Lawrence Regional Library to provide public access computers for word processing, Internet access, e-mail, and educational software. In addition, an integrated automated network for circulation of library materials, an electronic database of library branch holdings, and information databases will be provided. Technology and telecommunications are an integral part of the overall library program, enhancing collections and library services.
Adopted by the Board of Trustees, March 1996
Revisions February 2003 and October 2017
A BRIEF HISTORY OF
THE BARRY-LAWRENCE
REGIONAL LIBRARY
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Barry-Lawrence Regional Cooperative Libraries was initially established on July 13th, 1954 when the library boards of Barry and Lawrence Counties jointly agreed to join in providing library service to the counties.
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The Monett Library merged with the cooperating county system in August 1961. Monett, being centrally located between the two counties, became the chosen site for regional administration.
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In 1973, the library district became the first two-county consolidated library district in the state of Missouri under RSA 182.610.
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The consolidated public library district is supported by a tax levy (currently 15 cents per $100 valuation) from Barry and Lawrence counties, Missouri state aid, grants, donations, and miscellaneous income.
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The Board of Trustees is the governing body of the library and is made up of 8 members: 4 from Barry County and 4 from Lawrence County. The board members are appointed by their respective county commissioners and serve 4 year terms.
GET MORE
INFORMATION:
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Library Information and Policies
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Policies and Procedures Manual
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Annual Reports
Holiday Closings for All BLRL branches 2024:
All BLRL branches will be closed on the following holidays this year:
January 1, 2021 New Year’s Day
January 15 Martin Luther King Day
February 19 President’s Day
May 27 Memorial Day
June 19 Juneteenth
July 4 Independence Day
September 2 Labor Day
October 14 Staff Training Day
November 28 Thanksgiving Day
November 29 Day after Thanksgiving Day
December 24-25 Christmas Eve & Day
January 1, 2025 New Year’s Day
