MASON CITY – The Mason City Public Library has a lot to celebrate this year during National Library Week, April 10-16, 2016.
First celebrated in 1958, National Library Week is a national observance sponsored by the American Library Association (ALA) and libraries across the country each April. Libraries aren’t only a place for quiet study and research, but they are also creative and engaging community centers.
To illustrate this, the Mason City Public Library is highlighting the thirtieth anniversary of the MCPL Archives & History Department with a reception on Tuesday, April 12th at 6:00pm in the Library Commons. The History Department houses resources and information about Mason City history, including historical documents and photos, city directories and artifacts, and the MCPL Autograph Collection. They have been instrumental in researching material for books, films, and television, as well as offering a yearly history project for middle-school students through the Mason City schools.
This free reception will feature hot and cold appetizers, desserts and beverages. Barbara MacGregor, president of the Mason City Public Library Foundation will provide the Welcome at 6:15pm. At 6:30pm, Library Archivist, Terry Harrison, will display and discuss two original letters, housed in the Mason City History collection, that relate to Abraham Lincoln.
At 7:00pm, find a comfortable seat in the Mason City Room to spend an enjoyable and informative hour with President Lincoln, otherwise known as Dave Ehlert. Mr. Ehlert is a member of the National Association of Library Performers. He has appeared as Mark Twain at our library to a very appreciative audience.
This wonderful evening of events is free, open to the public, and sponsored by the Mason City Public Library Foundation, Inc.
