After one year, those who have enjoyed traveling to brave new worlds through science fiction books or who have learned how incredible key people were through reading their bibliography's. Those who came to know more about who we are through the histories of our area or who were held in suspense while reading mysteries would like you to join them in discovering one of the most important locations in our community, the Jeff Reichelt Memorial Library.

Scientific research conducted in 2009 says reading is the most effective way to overcome stress. It beats listening to music or drinking a favorite beverage. It is even more effective then exercise. So, grab a book. Reading a book keeps your brain in shape and you have a 32% chance of keeping your brain functioning longer. Reading may help you sleep better! Reading a book can help overcome depression. It's been proven we just need to read more.

Mom and dads should read to their children because it helps their development. Allowing their imaginations to take flight as they look over the books on the shelves and choose one that they'll be excited to read. There are 10 benefits your children develop by reading. If you practice reading you'll get good at it. Reading is one of the greatest exercises for the brain. Reading improves concentration.

It allows your children to learn about different cultures. It improves a child's vocabulary leading to better language skills. Reading develops a child's imagination which is critical to learning. A child that reads does better in all school subjects. And when your child says he's bored grab a

book. Reading helps a child relax and chill out and a child learns to develop empathy for other children through reading.

Librarian Darlene Cline grew up in the library at Chouteau. Her mother was a huge fan of the library. She and her friends hung out at the library lounge. Darlene laughingly recalls she would never go to bed, she'd take a flashlight and read under her covers at night. She knows books. In fact, she as access to 10,000 books at the Big Sandy Library. What's sad about that number are the following facts; According to Vintage/Anchor Books 33% of high school graduates never read another book, 57% of all new books are not read to completion; and 80% of US families did not read a book last year.

Currently there is one book club meeting at the library once a month, but there is no reason more couldn't be started. You might want to form a cook book club, designed to look through cook books and experiment with food from other countries. You can eat and drink at the library you just need to bring the food to the library already prepared. How about a book club for senior citizens, one for young mothers, maybe a book club to which each person would read both sides of a political position?

The library is open Tuesday and Thursday 12-6; Wednesday and Friday 10-2; Story time on Wednesday 10:30; Lego Club every 2nd and 4th Friday 11:00. Happy reading!