By Dr. Maryluz Hoyos E.
From October 17th to 18th the MOST Legislative Policy Fellows traveled to Springfield as part of their ongoing efforts to engage with legislators and partner organizations and hear about the issues impacting their region.
One of the highlights was the visit to the Library Center, the headquarters of the Springfield-Greene County Library District, where fellows had the chance to meet with library director, Edward Walton, and the library’s dedicated team. They shared how they’re building community engagement, which includes offering a range of educational programs and services designed to meet the needs of all residents.
Dr. Izuegbunam remarked, “the meeting was truly enlightening based on the interesting conversation with the youth service coordinator, the adult programming coordinator, and the Schweitzer Brentwood branch manager about their remarkable work in the community and beyond.” She continued, “I was particularly intrigued by how the library offers business training for its staff to help community members learn the fundamentals of starting and running a business. It is impressive that a public library can provide business literacy services to the community, positively impacting economic development.”
Fellows were also treated to a tour around the facility where they got a behind-the-scenes look at their work, and explored the different amenities offered to the public such as study rooms, their outdoor patio and outdoor story garden, the Between Friends Gift Shop, among many others!
“It was an insightful experience,” said Dr. Hoyos E. “It gave me a greater appreciation for the efforts of their hardworking team, their community-driven spirit and their hospitality!”
For some fun, the fellows took a break from meetings to visit the original Bass Pro Shops – the largest in the country! It was an incredible space featuring aquariums, waterfalls, museums and wildlife displays, a unique blend of outdoor equipment and entertainment. Fellows couldn’t leave without trying the local food scene. They had cashew chicken and Springfield BBQ. They also grabbed coffee from the Dark Stone Coffee shop before their drive back – they cannot wait for their next state tour stop!