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Special to McDonald County Directory For 35 years the McDonald County Library has been a resource for history and more to the residents of the region. "We've been a staple McDonald County for years," Amy Wallain, Director of the McDonald County Library said. "People in the area know they can trust us and come to us for the information they need." And from the start, the library set out to specifically be a resource for local history. Keeping family histories alive One of the most unique ways the library services Southwestern Missouri is the vast archive in their Pineville branch that houses not only the history of the county but that of the local families. e effort was initiated with the help of former McDonald County librarian Zella May who got the idea to start collecting family histories from the region's colorful past. Over the decades local residents have continued to contribute to what is now an impressive collection of information. "Residents in the area have donated their genealogy and the research they have done on their own families," Wallain said. "We store their family tress and histories in our Pineville branch. We have also expanded to include the genealogy of most of the other states. Our collection is really quite unique in the country. Even larger libraries don't offer that kind of resource for folks looking to explore their roots." Partnership with schools e library also works hand-in-hand with the McDonald County School District to make sure students have an opportunity to keep learning during the summer months. In the spring, the library starts promoting its summer reading program with the help of the school district. "We try to fill in the gap and let students know that when the school doors close for summer, our doors remain open to them," Wallain noted. "We have books and computers and lots of things for them to do during the summer." e summer reading program at the McDonald County Library even includes prizes and incentives for students who participate. All they have to do is fill out their reading log and fulfill the required number of books to read based on their age level. "Local business from all over McDonald County are very generous supplying gi cards and money we can use to award these studious boys and girls," Wallain said. Newspapers dating from the 1800s e library is constantly evolving to provide a better experience for patrons, and the community continues to support their ambitions with funding. e Pineville location recently completed a remodel that features new, energy-efficient lighting, new tiling and flooring and, for the children's area, new bookshelves. e library was able to upgrade their technology, as well, with a new microfilm machine. is was seen as an important addition to the library's efforts to be a good resource for local history. "We have an impressive collection of McDonald County newspapers dating back all the way to the 1800s," Wallain explained. "Our new microfilm machine allowed us to catalog every paper and make them easily accessible McDonald County Libraries: Local history resource & more Pineville 34 | McDonald county Directory 417-451-2712 737 W. Harmony St., neoSHo, mo WWW.tylerScarpetmo.com Your complete floor covering store! Carpet Vinyl Plank Ceramic Tile Area Rugs Hardwoods We carry all major Brands