Springfield-Greene County Library Community Matters

Voting Matters: E-Verify (Electronic Employment Eligibility Verification System)

Learn more about this controversial ordinance that Springfield residents will vote on in February.

Free Tax Help

Do you need help preparing your taxes? Two programs offer free assistance to individuals in Greene County.

Post-Holiday Clean-up

Put those no-longer-needed Christmas trees, greeting cards, and office party presents to good use.

Ozarks Holiday Celebrations

Looking for ways to celebrate the holiday season with your family? There's a lot going on out there, and much of it's free!

November 15 is National Recycling Day

Help the Library observe it by going greener. Also find community resources for recycling and reusing materials.

Community Focus 2011

The "Community Focus 2011," a report for Springfield and Greene County, was released on October 4. Find out what "blue ribbons" and "red flags" were indicated for our community's health and vitality.

Library Computers and the Internet: IMPACT Survey

How have Library computers and the Internet made a difference in your life? Learn more about the online survey available Sept. 9 - Oct. 3.

The History of Labor Day

Labor Day signals the end of summer and offers a long weekend to spend with family and friends; but how many of us know the origins of this day, or even pause to consider what it signifies?

Back to School

Most schools in Greene County begin in the next two weeks. Are you ready? Need a few final activities to get the summer wiggles worked out? Start the school year right after a look at these resources.

Joplin Tornado Relief Efforts

On May 22 a tornado hit Joplin, Mo., causing immeasurable damage to homes and businesses. Residents had a mere 20-minute warning to find shelter before the storms hit. At time of publication, the death toll sits at 122 as citizens of Joplin sort through the wreckage.

How would a government shutdown affect me?

With Congress nearly unable to come to an agreement about the federal budget, many government agencies and institutions feared they may have to cease operations. What would a government shutdown have meant for the average American?

Social Security 101: What's In It For Me?

Think Social Security is just for your grandparents? Think again. Watch a free webinar from the Social Security Administration on March 10 to learn more.

Patient-Centered Care Task Force Forming

The Ozarks' ethnic makeup is growing more diverse, and health care providers need to understand cultural differences to best serve patients and coworkers. Volunteers are sought through December 31 to serve on a task force to help health care organizations prepare for the future.

National Alzheimer's Disease Awareness Month

Early detection can slow the disease's onset and greatly improve quality of life, both for patients and their loved ones. Take some time this November to arm yourself with knowledge.

Urban Chickens Come to Springfield

Why did the chicken cross the road? Probably because it heard about Springfield's approval of an urban chicken ordinance, which allows chickens to be raised within the city limits.

Election Day -- Tuesday, November 2

The Missouri midterm elections will be held Tuesday, November 2. Polls are open from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. -- UPDATE: see the results!

The Health Commission

In its first report to the community, a new Springfield-Greene County nonprofit called The Health Commission outlined numerous challenges facing medically underserved residents, by the health care systems and medical providers.

Recycling Opportunities in Springfield

Looking for a way to make your carbon footprint smaller? The city of Springfield offers a variety of ways to recycle.

State Primary Election -- Tuesday, August 3

Will you be among the 24 percent of registered Missouri voters projected to visit the polls on Tuesday? Use these resources to educate yourself before you head to the ballot box.

Plan Your Library Visit

Come and explore all that your library has to offer.

Shop Local, Eat Local

Greene County citizens are rapidly becoming "locavores" -- those who seek out goods produced within a 100-mile radius of their hometown. When you live somewhere as bountiful as the Ozarks, it's easy to find local produce and meat if you know where to look.

Census 2010: Why It Matters

Do you know what the census is? Did you know that a census every 10 years is required by our Constitution? This is a census year and there are a few things you might want to know about this very important process.

The Academy Awards, March 7th, 2010

The 82nd Academy Awards will take place this Sunday. Find out a little more about the event and how to participate here in the Ozarks.

Has Your Car Been Recalled?

There are several sources of good information about which cars and trucks have recalls and what you should do about them.

Crisis in Haiti: What You Can Do To Help

On January 12th, an earthquake with a magnitude of 7.0 rocked the small nation of Haiti, forever changing the structure of their country and their population. In the aftermath, individuals and organizations from all over the world are pitching in to do what they can to aid this devastated area.

Forget the Fads: Make Health Resolutions that Stick in 2010

Every year it's the same old song and dance - you'll resolve to "lose weight" and "be healthy," and by February, you'll be on the couch wearing sweatpants and eating bonbons. Instead of making vague, unrealistic goals, resolve this year to take charge of your personal health and inform yourself.

Ozarks' Holiday Celebrations

There are endless ways to celebrate the holiday season in Greene County and many options are free for the whole family.

Classical Music in Springfield and Holiday Concerts

Have you ever listened to a tuba ensemble? Would you like to be in the audience during a live performance of Berlioz's Symphonie Fantastique? There are many opportunities for you to enjoy Springfield's vibrant music scene, especially during the holiday season.

Be Involved

You can make a difference in your community. Here are a few opportunities and resources for getting involved in the Ozarks.

Community Focus 2009

The "Community Focus 2009," a report for Springfield and Greene County, was released on September 30th. Find out what "blue ribbons" and "red flags" were indicated for our community's health and vitality.

3/4 Cent Sales Tax on the November 3 Ballot

On November 3, Springfield voters will be asked to approve a 3/4 cent sales tax to fund the Police-Fire Pension System.

2009 Competitive Assessment

Results from a Competitive Assessment of the Springfield metropolitan area were released October 14.

Flu Season

It's flu season in the Ozarks. Stay informed on area flu information and learn prevention tips.

Springfield Area Job Search Resources

The Library and other area organizations offer resources to help job seekers improve their chances for success.

October Festivals in the Ozarks

October is a great month for festivals in the Ozarks. From food to art to historical celebrations, there's something fun for everyone.

Health Care Reform

Making sense of the complexities of health care reform can be frustrating. Here, we've tried to break it down to the basics for you.

Resources for the College Student

The Library and local universities offer many resources for college students: special collections, quiet study rooms, research help, and more.

Back to School

Need information to get your family ready for school? School begins soon in Greene County. Don't be late!

Summer Pet Care Tips

Summertime in the Ozarks is fun for both people and pets, even as temperatures soar. Find tips for caring for those furry family members in the fierce summer heat.

The United States Supreme Court

An overview of the United States Supreme Court, including history, authority, and the nomination process.

"Cash-for-Clunkers" and Other Benefits of the Recovery Act

The average citizen can benefit from several parts of the Recovery Act and CARS programs.

Gardening in the Ozarks

Gardening is a well loved activity in the Ozarks, providing fresh vegetables for family, friends and local food banks.

Puppy Mills

Missouri is currently the puppy mill capital of the the U.S. What does that mean for the people and pets of Missouri?

Iran Election

There has been a lot of news coverage of the protests in Iran. Why are these protests occurring, who is in the right, and how does this story affect us as Americans?

Summer Fun in the Ozarks

School is out and it's time for some summer fun in the Ozarks.

Tracking Missouri's Share of the Economic Stimulus Funds

$3.82 billion is a lot of money. Find out why we received it and where it's all going, down to the last cent.

Final Transition to Digital TV, Friday, June 12

The last two full-power analog TV stations in Springfield turned off their signals on Friday, June 12.

Bicycling in the Ozarks

Admit it. You've got one. Somewhere in the back of your garage it sits, probably covered in dirt and surrounded by your recyclables. Like a long forgotten friend, it calls to you: Sure is nice out! We should go for a ride. You slam the door and head for the couch.

Time to stop ignoring the call! Dust off your bicycle and go for a spin. Whether for fun or transportation, there are lots of ways to bike the Ozarks!

Teen Dating Violence

A new report released in March gives Missouri, along with ten other states, a failing grade in providing legal resources to protect teens from dating violence.

Family Connectedness in a Technical World

Technology increases family togetherness, according to a recent Pew report.

Sinkholes cause headaches for many in Springfield

Recently, it was reported that a sinkhole opened up just outside of a local elementary. A few days later, another small sinkhole appeared just down the road. What exactly causes these massive, spontaneous depressions in the earth's surface and what are their consequences? Let's do some mental spelunking!

Cinco de Mayo

Cinco de Mayo (Fifth of May) is just around the corner. Learn more about this holiday and the Ozarks' vibrant Hispanic community.

Eating Down the Fridge

Are you looking for a way to save money and reduce waste? Consider skipping your usual trip to the grocery store for a week – or more – and eat what you already have on hand. Save dollars at the store and save food that might have been wasted.

Arbor Day

National Arbor Day is Friday, April 24. How will you celebrate?

Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act

Designed to protect children from exposure to lead and phthalates, the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act (CPSIA) has met with some debate.

Local students prepare for MAP testing

Area students will be taking the Missouri Assessment Program (MAP) test between March 30th and April 27th. Every year, it seems the test leaves many students and parents scratching their heads and pondering the value of the time spent both preparing and taking the lengthy tests.

April 7, 2009 Election

The upcoming election will include races for city council, school board, and fire protection board in many Greene County communities.

Springfield Rejects One-Cent Sales Tax

Springfield voters rejected a new one-cent sales tax for the purpose of funding the City of Springfield Police and Firefighters Pension System.

The Nonpartisan Court Plan for Greene County

The Nonpartisan Court Plan, a proposal to change the way Greene County Judges are selected, is likely to appear on the November Ballot.