A Real Gem From the Past

Earlier this week, a book was returned to the Missoula Public Library that had been checked out in 1905. It made it's way from California to the Midwest actually I learned it traveled from Missoula to New York City, then somewhere in California, then Seattle and finally back to Missoula. stopping at all points in between. Now, in 2009 it finally made it back to it's home (even though the library has moved since then). The book is called Gems for the Fireside or, Casket of Diamonds.

The book is beautifully illustrated and was originally published in 1883. You can take a look at the book in it's entirety thanks to the lovely folks from Google. From the looks of it, the copy they scanned comes from a later version, since the library date stamp is from 1939. Our copy was the tenth book EVER to be included in our collection.

The book is going to be re-cataloged and added to our historical collection in the Audra Browman room, where we keep our genealogical books and other historical finds.

We'd love to hear more about the travels of this book, as we didn't get the full story when it was returned, so if you happen to know who it was that returned it, we would love to have a chat with them so we could fully document this fantastic story.

Food for Fido

Last week was our first ever Food for Fido drive. In exchange for pet food, we waived patron overdue fines. We've done this before with food for the food bank, but this was our first ever pet food drive. We got a lot of food to donate:


All the food will be given to Animeals, a great organization that provides food to animals in shelters and helps to find homes for animals in need. They do a great job, and we were happy to be able to help out.

**EDIT** I've been told that we have actually done a food for fines with pet food before. Just not since I've worked here.

Amnesty Comes to Missoula Public Library

Have you been avoiding us? Are you afraid to visit because you know the Madam Pince of MPL will scold you for your overdue fines?

Well, now is the time to set aside your fears, buck up your courage, and come back to us! In honor of National Library Card Sign-up Month, September 4-11, 2007 is School Supplies for Fines! If you bring in new, unopened school supplies (loose leaf paper, notebooks, pack of pencils, etc.), we will be happy to waive any and all of your overdue fines. (Now mind you, if you have more than one library card with fines, please bring us more than one school supply item.) All school supplies you bring in will be donated to Missoula Youth Homes.

Please take advantage of this opportunity to clear up your fines and donate to a great organization; we miss you and want you to come back!