National Library Week first began in 1958 by the American Library Association. Now on April 23^rd through April 29^th, libraries across the nation are observing this special week. The D.R. Moon Memorial Library was established in 1901 by Sally Moon to honor the memory of her husband, Delos R. Moon, an Eau Claire lumberman who brought the Northwest Lumber Company to Stanley. The D.R. Moon Memorial Library is a bright spot in the Stanley community. When you think of a library, you think of books and quiet, but the D.R. Moon Memorial Library is more than that. While there is a plethora of books, including classics and new releases to check out at the library, the library also offers audio books, video games, CDs, and DVDs. As Nintendo switch games are very popular, a Nintendo switch was recently added to the library for patron use.  The library also features a digital library with books and critically acclaimed, new release movies and television series. Mobile hotspots are also available to be checked out to make fast and reliable internet available to the entire community. Have a green thumb? The D.R. Moon Library even has a seed catalog that is open to lending for patrons.

Elizabeth Miniatt, the Library Director, feels that libraries function as unique points for communities to thrive and develop. “There’s no other place like a library. It’s very unique and singular in the way that it is accessible to all and free to all and functions as a place when you can’t go anywhere else.” With the use of digital books and technology on the rise, library use in the nation is steadily declining, but Elizabeth feels that traditional libraries are still relevant. “Our community, from my experience does not connect with those things as far as the library goes. I think libraries are relevant because it’s not just books. The library has a more dynamic offering to the community beyond that.”

Besides traditional offerings, the D.R. Moon Memorial Library offers many programs to connect to the community. Girls Who Code is a supportive club that meets once a month to build a project for the community. In the process, they learn teamwork and computer science. The library also hosts an adult book club that meets once a month to discuss the current book choice. Currently the book club is reading, The Dutch House by Ann Patchett.  A newer program that has started at the library is Just Create It!, where patrons meet on the last Wednesday of the month and make crafts, beautiful artwork or other DIY projects. All materials are provided.  If you would like to connect with fellow writers, then the Creative Writing Guild is perfect for you.  For the younger patrons, there is Play and Learn which is held on the second and fourth Mondays from 10 to 11:30 AM. Partnered with River Source Family Center and United Way of the Greater Chippewa Valley, the Library offers crafts, story time, and interactive playtime along with snacks. Families are also given a free new book each month. Story Time is held every other Thursday from 10 to 11:30 AM where Miss Wyann sings songs, reads stories, makes crafts and engages in many fun activities with the children. For information on this or any of the programs, please visit the library’s website or contact a Librarian.

The D.R. Moon Library is over 120 years old, and it is in desperate need of restoration. To keep the library available and inclusive to its patrons, it needs to become more accessible, updated, and spacious to address the needs of the growing community. To support the D.R. Moon Library, consider making a donation or choose the D.R. Moon Memorial Library as your designated charity when you shop online at Goodsearch or Amazon Smile. At no cost to you, the library receives a small donation. You can also invest in the success of the library by joining the nonprofit organization, Friends of the D.R. Moon Library. Meetings are held at the library on the last Monday of the month.