Libraries

The former director of the East St. Louis Public Library was indicted in federal court on five counts of wire fraud and embezzlement.

Archivist and entrepreneur Emma Prince helps build archives for places like the City Museum and people like Carmelite Sisters in Los Angeles.

Library officials have tabled a plan to close three branches to fund other parts of the library system. Some library patrons and protesters said they worry the smaller branches won’t stay open for long.

More than half of St. Louis and St. Louis County residents are without reliable internet. The St. Louis County Library is helping patrons get internet access at home, training included.

The Quincy Public Library wants to bring back its bookmobile. The goal is to provide more access to books and improve literacy in the area.

The efforts to remove books from school libraries started with parents in local school districts and eventually led to state legislatures. After two years of controversy, one school librarian says her colleagues are leaving the profession because it has become too painful.

Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker said the goal is to send free books to all children, ages 0-5, across Illinois.

For the median homeowner in Collinsville, whose home is worth $182,000, there will be an estimated increase of $9.38 in property taxes next spring. In Fairmont City, where the median home is worth $100,000, there will be an increase of $4.95, according to district documents.

Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library program is now statewide in Missouri. The program provides children with a free book in the mail each month until their fifth birthday. The goal is to nurture a love of reading and improve literacy.

St. Louis Public Library and St. Louis County Library catalogs boast 5 million items for library members across 37 branches in St. Louis city and county. Here’s how to sign up for a library card.