As the kids go back to school and we are all ready for cooler weather (and a sense of routine, hello), there are a lot of great things in the literary realm happening at our local library and community that deserve our attention!
The Bookshelf Bookclub (hosted by yours truly) has officially switched to meeting on Saturday mornings, making it more accessible for more schedules. For our next meeting, we are continuing our “‘Round the USA” series for 2026 and discussing a mystery set in Hawaii: "Death of a Messenger" by Robert McCaw. In this mystery thriller, an anonymous 911 call tips Hilo chief detective Koa Kane to a mutilated corpse found on Pohakuloa, the Army's live-fire training area. All signs point to a ritualistic sacrifice, but as the detective investigates, more secrets of the island spill out. Join us for a casual discussion of the novel at 9 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 29, at the West Plains Public Library, 750 W. Broadway.
Speaking of the library, we have been honored to have Greg Carter as our director for the past three years. He has done wonders for our library and for our community. As he moves on to a great position in Columbia, we are thrilled to welcome Dianna Locke as our new director! She spent 32 years in our public school system and has been the social media organizer, program director and enthusiastic member of the library staff, and has now stepped into her dream role. Make sure you go by and give her a big congrats and say hi next time you go to the library!
In other exciting news, we are all anticipating The Bookshop’s opening at 4 Court Square in historic downtown West Plains. Jamie Stauffer has been working tirelessly to curate a gorgeous space for another option to not only purchase books, but host book clubs and other small groups as well. The shop currently has sign-ups for four book clubs open to the public: nonfiction, fantasy, literary fiction and teens/young adult. Truly something for everyone! Coming up later in the fall are sign-ups for a drawing class, some craft workshops and many more events to be held in the “Good Company” community room for outside guests to make connections or host something fun! The shop’s grand opening is at 10 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 22. Make sure you are following The Bookshop on Facebook, @thebookshopwp, for news about book clubs, events and other exciting happenings in Jamie’s new store.
As always, watch this column in the Quill to keep updated on more in our area for bookworms, and happy reading!
Keara Johnson moved from Alaska to Montana before settling in the Ozarks. She leads the Bookshelf Book Club at the West Plains Public Library and serves as president of the Friends of the Library. She is also the owner of Keara Johnson Hair Studio and the Bookshelf Boutique. A Christ follower, wife, bonus mom and outdoor enthusiast, she is passionate about literature, community and people.
