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Reader’s Corner: ‘Launch into Learning’
New books are a huge blessing to school librarians trying to provide new materials for young readers while staying on budget for other needed supplies.
Cynthia J. Thomas
2 min read
Reader’s Corner: Take flight with summer reading, earn air show tickets
What if there was a way to keep your kids reading this summer while also earning a great prize? Check out the Summer Reading Takes Flight program, a summer reading challenge for kids ages six to 12 that can earn them FREE General Youth Admission tickets to the Branson Wings of Pride Air Show, to be presented by CoxHealth at the Branson Airport on September 5–7. To get started, visit https://bransonwingsofpride.com/summer-reading-takes-flight-2/ and download the Summer Rea
Cynthia J. Thomas
2 min read
Reader’s Corner: Learn about Stone County growth and development at Learning on Wednesday
Kimberling Area Library and the Table Rock Area Chamber of Commerce invite you to join them on Wednesday, July 8, for a Learning on Wednesday session featuring Jeremy Goggans, Economic Development Director for the Chamber. Jeremy will share what is happening across Stone County to support the area’s future, including economic development efforts, community growth and attracting new business. The conversation will also include a look at local planning in Stone County commun
Cynthia J. Thomas
1 min read
Reader’s Corner: Stone County Library serves area communities
The Stone County Library recently held a ribbon cutting with the Table Rock Lake Area Chamber of Commerce for the library’s new Reeds Spring branch, opened in April through a partnership with New Testament Christian Church. It’s been a while since this column reminded readers of the many services offered by Stone County Library, so this is a good time for an update! In addition to the new Reeds Spring branch, SCL has branch locations in Blue Eye and Crane, plus the main li
Cynthia J. Thomas
1 min read
Reader’s Corner: Storytime at the Star Schoolhouse
These special story times will include a schoolhouse-style experience with storytelling and games
Cynthia J. Thomas
1 min read
Reader’s Corner: Read like the Founders
Don’t own any such writings? No problem. That’s what libraries are for. There’s also a great selection at the Freedom Encounter Theater’s bookstore in Branson!
Cynthia J. Thomas
2 min read
Reader’s Corner: Diskey the Wonder Dog
If you’ve attended special events around the Branson area, you may have seen “Diskey the Wonder Dog” performing some amazing feats. Now readers can enjoy Diskey’s adventures in other settings, and pass her legacy on, thanks to a book series by her owner, Russ “Allright” Rosencrans. Thank you, Russ, for sharing your story of hope and healing. “I Wasn’t Done Yet” By Russ Rosencrans Most people look at retirement as the finish line. For me, it kept turning into a restart.
Cynthia J. Thomas
2 min read
Reader’s Corner: Strengthen your memory
For many people approaching their senior years, declining memory is a primary concern. Whether you’ve noticed it yourself as you navigate daily life, or perhaps are a caregiver watching it happen to an elderly parent or other loved one, it is a frequent reality, estimated to affect at least 1 in 10 Americans. The good news, though, is that there is a proven way to help! On Wednesday, June 10, Kimberling Area Library and Senior Age will present “Introducing Stronger Memory
Cynthia J. Thomas
1 min read
Reader’s Corner: ‘Unearth A Story’ at KAL this summer
Kimberling Area Library staff and volunteers are excited to announce the 2026 Summer Reading Program! This year’s theme is “Unearth A Story,” emphasizing archaeology, paleontology, dinosaurs and discovery. Plan to join KAL every Monday in June and July at 10:30 a.m., for some exciting and magical moments. Flyers are available at the library front desk, to hang on your fridge as a reminder or to share with friends and invite them to join you for the following special experi
Cynthia J. Thomas
1 min read
Reader’s Corner: Learn some Ozarks history
Area libraries can be a great source of information about local and regional Ozarks history! Whether you’re a native wanting to know more about how your ancestors lived, or new to the area and curious about the origins of local legends, you can often find resources at the library. This month, check out some great offerings from our neighbors to the north, the Local History and Genealogy Department of the Springfield/Greene County Library. The “Preserving the Ozarks” series
Cynthia J. Thomas
2 min read
Reader’s Corner: Read before you vote
The concept of being an informed voter ought to be considered just plain common sense; and during our country’s early days, it would have been.
Cynthia J. Thomas
2 min read
Reader’s Corner: Celebrating National Library Week
This year marks the 68th anniversary of National Library week, celebrated this year from April 19 through 25. If you haven’t celebrated yet, it’s not too late to plan a trip to your local library or a special time of reading with children or grandchildren. This year’s theme is “Find Your Joy,” highlighting the joy that comes from the services, books and special programming provided by community libraries. Key dates during the week have included “Right to Read Day” on April
Cynthia J. Thomas
2 min read
Reader’s Corner: Stay safe from scams in a changing world
These days, one can’t be too careful when navigating social media, email, or those dreaded spam/scam robo-calls. Although all people face safety risks that affect their well-being, older individuals may be particularly susceptible and at higher risks due to physical, mental, or learning changes related to aging. Learn to navigate those risks and “Be Aware to Prepare,” by joining Sergeant J.J. Goulbourne of the Kimberling City Police Department to participate in the May 13
Cynthia J. Thomas
2 min read
Reader’s Corner: Have you read it yet?
A few years ago, this column urged visitors to the Ozarks to become familiar with classic literature connected with historic sites in Missouri, such as Mark Twain/Hannibal; Laura Ingalls Wilder/Mansfield; and Harold Bell Wright/Branson. I still sometimes, as I did then, encounter people who consider Branson a favorite vacation destination or even plan to retire to the area for the lakes, beautiful scenery and patriotic family-friendly atmosphere—but who haven’t read the book
Cynthia J. Thomas
2 min read
Reader’s Corner: April children’s events at KAL
Kimberling Area Library and children’s coordinator Ms. Abbey invite families to enjoy some fun children’s programming on tap for April! Start the month with some imaginative play at Lego Club, Tuesday, April 7, at 4:15 p.m. Kids age five and up will enjoy making new friends as they create and build together. KAL supplies the Legos; the kids supply the creativity! On Monday, April 13, at 10:30 a.m., it’s SuperHero StoryTime! All ages are welcome to join in dressing up fo
Cynthia J. Thomas
1 min read
Reader’s Corner: Good coffee, good books at Grace Upon Grace
The bookstore side of things features independent Christian authors vetted for clarity and values; Generations homeschooling curriculum; and historical fiction.
Cynthia J. Thomas
2 min read
Reader’s Corner: How Ozarks Clean Water Company helps homeowners
Most of us do not think much about our home or business water service until we turn on the tap or want to flush the toilet or do some cleaning—that is, as long as things are working and the water is clean! But what about those times when it’s not—when you get the message from your HOA that your neighborhood system is down for maintenance again, or your municipality is scheduled to vote on expensive needed improvements. For Ozarks Clean Water Company (OCWC), thinking about
Submitted to Branson Globe
2 min read
Reader’s Corner: Transform your life by singing
And no, this little book does not bash modern worship music. It does, however, challenge readers to make sure what we are singing is truly sing-able and accessible to all worshipers
Cynthia J. Thomas
2 min read
Reader’s Corner: A new read from Liz Lazarus
This column previously reviewed a riveting novel by Liz Lazarus, in which the main character navigates the continued fear and the twists and turns of the legal system following a vicious attack. Now, the Atlanta-based author delivers her fourth novel, a psychological thriller in which a ruthless and treacherous boyfriend-turned-stalker embroils a daughter in a battle for guardianship of her elderly mother. “Dawn Before Darkness” is the story of Dawn Smith, a veterinarian
Cynthia J. Thomas
2 min read
Reader’s Corner: Spring children’s events coming at Kimberling Area Library
Spring is just around the corner, and with it, more fun and educational events for children are coming up at the Kimberling Area Library at 45 Kimberling Boulevard, Kimberling City! On Tuesday, March 3, things get started with the Lego Club, held the first Tuesday of each month at 4:15 p.m. Kids ages five and up spend time creating, building and playing alongside friends. We supply the Legos; you supply the imagination! On Monday, March 9, kids of all ages are invited t
Submitted to Branson Globe
1 min read
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