In honor of National Library Week, I would like to give a shout out to the amazing staff at the Marshalltown Public Library.

They have done a phenomenal job of finding new ways to make library services available to all ages during these tough times. All of this has been done while working with limited staff and within their limited budget. Are you looking for a new book or materials? Just ask. For books, if they don’t have it, they may order it or find it for you through interlibrary loan.

I have had the good fortune of borrowing books for required reading for online courses via interlibrary loan, thus saving the cost of purchasing. Besides its many other vast resources, the library also subscribes to large databases that in turn makes those resources available to library card holders. Included are things such as access to the New York Times, Washington Post, Consumer Reports, Ancestry.com, or even sites for researching hobbies or car maintenance. Another valuable site is Brainfuse, which provides free online resources for job seekers, veterans and families. Check into Kid’s Info Bits, providing you with up-to-date, age-appropriate info on current events, science, history and more. To challenge yourself to learn a new language, try Transparent Language Online. The list goes on.

I have been impressed with the suggestions the staff have for resources on topics of personal interest. It is as if they know how to help me find something tailor-made just for me. Try it. They are there for you.

Visit online at marshalltownlibrary.org, to search their catalog, review online-resources, ask questions or view the calendar of upcoming events for both youth and adults. You may reach the library by calling 641-754-5738.