Southeast celebrates 75th year for Kent Library

In a world where electronic devices provide much information, it's easy to overlook libraries. But our local libraries are treasures for infomation-seekers.

Today Southeast Missouri State University celebrates Kent Library's 75th anniversary. The library, which is positioned across from Academic Hall on campus, is more than a building with books. There are places to study, research and, yes, read.

It's named after Sadie Kent, a woman who worked as an assistant librarian and Dean of Women at Southeast and before that as a schoolteacher in Southeast Missouri. Kent is credited with the design of the library later named after her.

You can read more about Kent Library and its many gems in the Southeast Missourian story from Oct. 9. The Arrow, the student newspaper for Southeast Missouri State University, also ran a big story in this week's edition.

Today there will be an event from noon to 1 p.m. for students. It will be held at Sadie's Place in the library, another tribute to Kent. Tonight there will be a gala event with remarks from the university and two former professors, Dr. Frank Nickell and Dr. John Bierk. Tours of the Rare Book Room and historic stained glass panels on the third floor.

We hope you take time soon to visit Kent Library. It's a place with much history but also some of the best resources to learn.

We also encourage you to check out the other local libraries, which offer material for all ages.