Office of the Secretary of State, Missouri – Robin Carnahan

Alternative Worlds: Science Fiction Genre Forum, May 14

The Missouri Center for the Book was established in 1993 “to bring the words and ideas of books into the thoughts and lives of Missourians.” It is the only statewide organization that promotes the importance of books and reading to Missouri residents, celebrates the state’s literary heritage, and recognizes the contributions of Missouri’s authors, book illustrators, booksellers, publishers, librarians, and others involved in the literary arts.

The Missouri Center is an affiliate of the national Center for the Book in the Library of Congress, which was established by law in 1977 to strengthen and celebrate the vital role of books, reading, and libraries in the cultural life of the nation.

Headquartered at the Missouri State Library in Jefferson City, the Center is governed by a board of directors composed of authors, publishers, librarians, editors, and community leaders. The board develops programs and plans activities that stimulate public interest in books and reading.

Missouri Authors Book Collection

An examination collection of more than 600 books donated by Missouri authors. Housed in the reading room of the Missouri State Library, this special collection showcases the diversity of the state’s writers and represents works in many genres. The Center welcomes donations to the collection from Missouri authors.

Traveling Exhibits

The Center compiles exhibits (upon request) from the Missouri Authors Book Collection for use by schools, libraries, and community groups and institutions. For more information, call the Center at 573-751-1821 (in Missouri, 1-800-325-0131 ext. 5).

Future Projects

In the next few years, the Center will emphasize public programming and publications. Among these projects are:

• Reading and discussion series in libraries, schools, and other settings. These programs will feature works by Missouri authors or midwestern themes.
• Publications as well as products in nonprint media that focus on Missouri authors and the state’s book culture.
• Programs in cooperation with the Library of Congress and Missouri educational and cultural institutions.

The Missouri Center for the Book is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization. All contributions to the Center are tax deductible.

For more information, or to send additions, updates, and corrections on the Missouri Author Directory or other listings, contact the Missouri Center for the Book, 600 West Main, P.O. Box 2075, Jefferson City, MO 65102-2075, call 573-751-1821, or e-mail: mcb001@sos.mo.gov.