Readers are checking out the new Matthews Library branch facility

An avid reader since childhood, Matthews Librarian Sheila O'Shea said she loves her job as the town's librarian. Since the Library's move to its new location in the building which also houses the Matthews City Hall and Police Department, O'Shea said more patrons are using the library. The Library is open from 8 a.m to 4 p.m. Tuesdays and Fridays. (Jill Bock/Standard Democrat)

MATTHEWS, Mo.— Some of Sheila O’Shea’s favorite memories involve going to the library.

An avid reader still today, O’Shea recalls as a child going to the library with her mother. “I grew up reading. I used to like the ‘Boxcar Children’ and anything that had to do with a gymnast,” she said, adding, “And I think any memories with your mom are good memories.”

Now O’Shea helps create those memories for others as librarian for the Matthews Library, one of the seven libraries in the New Madrid County Library System. With the recent move into the new Matthews City Hall, O’Shea said residents are busy checking out what the town’s library has to offer.

Matthews Librarian Sheila O'Shea returns books to the shelves. The Library was recently relocated into the building which houses the Matthews City Hall, the police department, city court and the Oaks Nutrition Program. (Jill Bock/Standard Democrat)

“We have a lot more books,” said O’Shea. “We have children’s books. We have fiction, fantasy, non-fiction, historical and they will order anything that anyone wants.”

With more space, the librarian said there is plenty of room for youngsters attending the summer reading programs. Also access to the internet is available at the Matthews Library and O’Shea said plans call for the addition of a computer and wireless printer for public use.

The Library joins the Matthews City offices, police department, city court and the Oaks Nutrition program in the facility, located at 301 W. Main. The shared facility has brought more foot traffic into the library, resulting in more people checking out books, according to O’Shea.

Matthews Mayor Jody O’Barr said the city was pleased to provide the Library with the much needed and improved location.

“It makes me happy that adults and kids can go there and get books. It is much more accessible,” he said.

He noted his 10-year-old son enjoys reading and the new expanded library. He said the youngster often incorporates his library trips into the opportunity to visit with city workers and police officers.

“The building has turned out to be a good investment. People seem to enjoy being able to do more than one thing when they stop in,” O’Barr said. “The people are very happy with the new Library and I’m proud of its success.”

New Madrid County Library Director Susan Newman described the new location as a winning situation for the Library and the city.

“Our new location has given the Library a huge boost in traffic and book circulation,” she said. “All of us at New Madrid County Library want to express our gratitude to the city of Matthews for including the Library in their newly renovated building.”

To meet the increase in foot traffic, the Matthews Library has extended its hours. It is now open from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday and Friday.

As librarian, O’Shea couldn’t be happier with all the changes.

At her desk overlooking the books, O’Shea had a book open. A “Harry Potter” fan, she was re-reading an old favorite.

“I do love reading and I love working at the Matthews Library,” she said. “I love our Library, our patrons and our city.”