More than reading

November has been a month for important library news in Cape Girardeau.

The Cape Girardeau Public Library broke ground for its expansion and renovation on Clark Avenue after moving into temporary quarters on Broadview Street.

And Kent Library at Southeast Missouri State University is getting closer to its goal of transformation into an information commons.

Both developments promise upgrades in library services that will serve students and the public well for years to come.

The public library embarked on its ambitious expansion after voters approved a property-tax increase to pay for the construction and renovation expected to cost $8.9 million.

A highlight of the groundbreaking was the announcement by the Friends of the Library that four major donations have been made: $100,000 from the Oscar C. Hirsch Foundation for a community room, $25,000 from Praxair Inc. for computers, $10,000 from Union Pacific Railroad for a tutoring room and $5,000 from the Cape Girardeau Evening Optimist Club for an indoor children's play structure.

Kent Library's transformation has been underway for two years. This has involved moving the reference section to make room for a coffee bar, seating areas and event seating. A hundred computers have been installed with Internet access. A large conference room is being constructed. And a multimedia center is scheduled to open in January.

Modern libraries house so much more than books in this technological age, but books are still at the core of good libraries. Both facilities are making their books -- and everything else up-to-date libraries have to offer -- more accessible to users.