Kimberling Area Library holds annual meeting

With the theme “Welcome to Our New Chapter,” the Kimberling Area Library Association (KALA) held its annual meeting on May 14, 2026, with more than 60 attendees gathering to review the past year’s successes and discuss the future of the volunteer-staffed Kimberling Area Library (KAL). Following lunch, Yvette Ayres, president of the KALA Board of Directors, led the business meeting and recognized the volunteer groups and individuals who support the library’s work and operations.

●      Master Gardeners of the Ozarks, led by Joanne Anderson, for maintaining the Children’s Garden and offering free gardening sessions at KAL from March through November

●      Table Rock Garden Club for maintaining the natural beauty of KAL’s front gardens

●      The late Helen Edgington, remembered for her warmth, stories and welcoming presence at KAL

●      Table Rock Art Guild, a monthly KAL group and donor whose April Quilt Day raised $3,500 for the library

●      Christy Donner for writing six grants to support KAL needs, including a future literacy- and health-focused Children’s Garden expansion

●      Neighbors and Friends of Table Rock Lake for grants that support KAL’s bibliographic and electronic resources

●      Colleen Pierson, membership chair, for promoting patron enrollment, expanding membership services, and gathering feedback on KAL’s “Next Chapter.” Yvette also announced a Founder’s Day ice cream social on July 13, 2026, honoring longtime leader Betty Davis.

●      Elna McDonald for marketing donated materials online and generating $1,300 for KAL so far in 2026

●      Mary McDonald for organizing shelf readers and helping keep materials accurately filed.

●      Carolyn Spence Cagle and Sue Munson for leading the free Learning on Wednesday programs that connect residents with community resources and opportunities for growth and social connection

●      Rich Cagle for leading the “All-Stars,” who engage in routine library maintenance, including painting, leaf blowing and some projects, and interfacing with contractors for major work to meet library essential needs

●      Board members Bonnie Hermann, Myra Childs, Colleen Pierson, Sandy Bollen, Joan Wilson, Judie Heinz, Chrissie Crisp and Linda Bornheimer, who meet monthly to conduct KAL business. Attendees also approved Nancy Yendes for an open board position.

●      Additional supporters were also recognized in the meeting program.

Yvette also recognized Sharon Clarke-Maier, KAL operations manager, for issuing updated ID cards to volunteers, including 10 who have served from five to 25 years. Sharon also noted a donation of bound classic books from Carol Cooper’s family that helps fill a gap in the KAL collection.

The meeting concluded with two volunteer awards. Sue and Arden Munson received the Volunteer of the Year Award for training and mentoring new KAL volunteers. The new Spirit of the Library Award was presented to the Children’s Librarian team—Abbey Everett, Abby Ayres, Karen Murray, and Marge Johnson—for building a creative Monday morning program and Lego club that draw children and caregivers while earning support from local businesses (see attached photos).

KAL is an independent, volunteer-staffed library serving patrons within a 25-mile radius of Kimberling City. Library cards are free to qualifying residents. For more information and volunteer opportunities, please see www.kalib.org.