EX-ASTRONAUT TO KICK OFF LIBRARY GROUP

Author and former astronaut and author Lovell, who commanded Apollo 13, will speak Friday during the liftoff of a newly formed Friends of the Cape Girardeau Public Library.

Lovell is author of "Lost Moon," upon which the award-winning movie "Apollo 13" was based. Actor Tom Hanks portrayed Lovell in the movie.

Lovell will speak at 7:30 p.m. at Academic Hall on the Southeast Missouri State University campus. Tickets are $5 and available at the library or at the hall on Friday night. Following his speech, Lovell will be available for signing books and a reception. Reception tickets are required.

From 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. Friday, Lovell will be signing books for children at the library, 711 N. Clark. That event is free, but reservations are required. A press conference is set for 3 to 3:30 p.m.

The new foundation was started to help maintain and enhance services offered at the public library. The library hasn't had an increase in its tax levy for nearly 30 years. The levy was rolled back from 20 cents to 16 cents in 1986.

Trish Stahly, president of the foundation, said the foundation is a way to help keep taxes low and involve the community in maintaining and enhancing the resources at the library.

In April, the Friends of the Library, a group which has been working at the library for years, voted to change its bylaws and encompass the foundation. By doing that, the Friends Foundation will be able to continue its year-to-year support and build an endowment for the future. Memberships range from $15 to $500 a year.

With funds raised by the foundation, the library hopes to update and expand the book and magazine collections, computer hardware and software and non-print resources. In addition, the library wants to work more closely with the schools in providing support for curriculum and increase outreach to those who can't get to the library.

"Libraries are the only places in the world that offer all people the opportunity to improve themselves, their education and their standard of life," Stahly said.