Adults: Missouri Bicentennial

Fridays From 5-6PM

The Rolla Public Library was founded in 1934. It was originally established as a children’s library and expanded significantly during World War II. By the 1960s we became a central feature of downtown Rolla and one of many significant attractions alongside Route 66. Many say that Rolla is “the center of everywhere.” If true, the library is particularly special in that it consistently supports this vibrant location with an educational space that is welcoming to all. We enhance the quality of life by providing resources for lifelong learning, creating opportunities to connect with others, and fostering a love of reading.

Like many other libraries, we recognize 2021 as an opportunity to celebrate the Show Me State and her contributions to the American experience. Accordingly, we are offering family friendly programs on all things Missouri history!

For example, with the help of retired historian Mark Stauter and his assistant Melody Warner, library staff member Derek Zboran is producing a series of videos that will inspire people of all ages to explore historical evidence such as documents, artifacts, and historic buildings.

We are also doing a series of virtual author interviews with nationally recognized historians. Our incredible line-up includes Steven Watts, John McManus, Diana L. Ahmad, A.J. Baime, Paul W. Bass, and others. By highlighting the works of well-studied researchers who bring history to life through the careful study of primary sources, we hope to inspire folks of all ages to delve into the colorful and engaging history of Missouri.

The Show Me State produced hundreds of individuals who changed the world. Missourians such as Mark Twain, Charlie “Bird” Parker, James Cash Penny, Dale Carnegie, George Washington Carver, Laura Ingalls Wilder, Walt Disney, Omar Bradley, Yogi Berra, and Harry S. Truman often led the way in their respective fields and helped define American excellence. Through studying the past you will discover pieces of our shared heritage that foster inspiration, resolve, and humility in the present. Empowered with this historical perspective, we can go confidently into the future, knowing the best is yet to come.

Want to help us improve our Summer Reading Program? Fill our our Summer Survey here.

ARCHIVED VIDEOS

Extra Resources and Program

For a video tutorial of how to use the Missouri State Library’s Bicentennial resources, click here.

In honor of the 200th anniversary of the great state of Missouri’s joining the union, the Missouri State Library has created an interactive reading challenge that allows the people of Missouri a chance to see all the literary treasures this state has to offer. The challenge is offered both interactively through the platform Beanstack and as a printable passport.

To create a free account in Beanstack please go to: https://wolfpac.beanstack.org/

Test your knowledge of Missouri history and learn what Missouri Digital Heritage has to offer along the way with these unique scavenger hunts! Below are links to the two versions of the hunts, one for children and one for adults.

Children can visit: https://survey.alchemer.com/s3/6146075/MDH-Scavenger-Hunt-Round-One-Children
Adults can visit: https://survey.alchemer.com/s3/6145854/MDH-Scavenger-Hunt-Round-One-Adults

The Missouri State Library’s Reference Services Department has put together an online guide that includes information about Missouri’s history, state government and official Bicentennial activities. This is your one stop guide to discover (or rediscover) important information about our great state as we celebrate 200 years of statehood!

To view the guide, please go to: https://mostate.libguides.com/200MO/home

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