New Madrid County libraries honored as ‘Hometown Hero’

The New Madrid County Library System was recently honored as a "Hometown Hero" by the Modern Woodmen of America. Pictured with the award are librarian Rebecca Sage, seated, and standing from left: Rhonda Bickerstaff, librarian; Susan Newman, New Madrid County Library director; and Regina Halterman with Modern Woodmen. (Jill Bock, Staff)

NEW MADRID, Mo. — The New Madrid County Library System was honored recently by Modern Woodmen of America as a “Hometown Hero.”

Regina Halterman with Modern Woodmen visited the New Madrid Memorial Library to present Susan Newman, director of the county library system, with a certificate and a $100 check to be donated to a charity of choice. Newman said the staff decided to use the funds to benefit St. Jude Children’s Hospital.

According to Halterman, the New Madrid County Library System was chosen for its passion for “raising readers. They do a wonderful job with their libraries and their summer reading program.”

In addition, the New Madrid Memorial Library was provided with several children’s books to enable children to share reading with others. Halterman explained by taking part in the “book fairy” program children are given a book to read, then they can give the book to another child to read and share.

The New Madrid County Library System’s headquarters is in Portageville with branches in Gideon, Matthews, Morehouse, New Madrid, Parma and Risco.