As the son of a retired librarian, I know the humble book remains a powerful tool for education, enlightenment, and entertainment. In this digital age, a good book can show us what community and friendship mean and how to be the best neighbors or citizens. Books and Little Free Libraries can also connect neighbors. Little Free Libraries are a global phenomenon. The small, front‐yard book exchanges number more than 175,000 worldwide in over 100 countries, from the United States to Iceland. WHAT IS LFL? Little Free Library (LFL) is a nonprofit organization based in St. Paul, Minnesota. The organization's mission is to be a catalyst for building community, inspiring readers, and expanding book access for all through a global network of volunteer-led Little Free Libraries. Little Free Library book-sharing boxes are placed in front yards, housing projects, community centers, schools, parks, gardens, and other easily accessible locations. Only registered (chartered) Little Free Library b...

“If the choice is between getting 10 percent more police or getting residents to create 10 percent more connections, pick the connections every time,” said Robert Putman in the new documentary Join or Die. The documentary examines social capital and its value to a community, based on Putman’s research and his book Bowling Alone. In his seminal work, Robert Putnam advocated for a societal shift in priorities, emphasizing the importance of fostering neighbor connections over bolstering police presence. This assertion underscores the fundamental significance of social capital in building cohesive and resilient communities. While the allure of increased policing might seem intuitive in addressing societal challenges, investing in neighbor connections offers a more sustainable and holistic approach to enhancing community well-being and safety. First, neighbor connections serve as the bedrock of social cohesion, fostering trust, reciprocity, and mutual support among community members. Wh...

A social media poster from Republic recently put this provocative statement online: Republic is growing too fast; prove me wrong. Despite the obvious problems with his logic and argumentation and the fact that he cannot prove it is a problem but wants others to prove a negative, I am still glad to provide some feedback. The notion of rapid urban growth often conjures images of congestion, environmental degradation, and social upheaval. While it's true that burgeoning towns face challenges, framing growth solely as a detriment oversimplifies a multifaceted phenomenon.  Contrary to the assertion that "this town is growing too fast," it's imperative to recognize the manifold benefits and opportunities accompanying expansion. First, rapid growth fosters economic vitality. As populations swell, demand for goods and services escalates, creating fertile ground for entrepreneurship and job creation. New businesses emerge, attracting investment and driving innovation. The infl...

  To participate in Show Me Neighborhood Art Week, Missourians  must register here online . The registration deadline for Show Me Neighborhood Art Week is May 24. Preexisting and new public art can be registered, but only new art can be considered for prizes. The location for this event is ALL of Missouri -- your front yard, your neighborhood, and your community. The online state map marking locations around Missouri will be interactive. If you have questions, please see the contact emails at the end of this blog. SPRINGFIELD, MO. -  University of Missouri Extension has announced the launch of a new statewide public art exhibit called Show Me Neighborhood Art Week. This outreach program strives to promote creative expression and public art made by residents, regardless of their skill level, as a contribution to the community's sense of place and residents' sense of belonging. The initiative was inspired by LAWN (Lawn Art With Neighbors), a grassroots program launched in S...

Dr. Anita Knight Kuhnley, an professor of psychology and counseling at both Liberty and Regent University, is the author of, “The Mister Rogers Effect: 7 Secrets to Bringing Out the Best in Yourself and Others from America’s Beloved Neighbor.” The book looks at seven psychological principles that hallmarked the life of Mister Rogers and how people can apply those principles today. She will be my guest during Neighboring 101 on March 14, or you can enroll in the class anytime and see the class recording. Enroll in Neighboring 101 online here . The skills the book emphasizes include listening before speaking, validating the feelings of others, taking the time to pause and think, showing gratitude toward others, developing empathy for others, practicing acceptance, and establishing security. While writing the book, Kuhnley noted how Mister Rogers's kind and humble spirit could turn strangers into neighbors, and “he was looking below the surface…,” something Kuhnley believes we could e...

This 90-minute “Join or Die” documentary, based on Robert Putman's classic book “Bowling Alone,” first played in Springfield on March 19 and 20. Greene County MU Extension brought it to the Alamo for two screenings and nearly 100 people watched it. Interest was so strong, we did it again Aug. 25-26 at the Moxie and had nearly 300 people come watch it for free (thanks to sponsors). Same could be said for the showing on Sept. 23 at Missouri State Univeristy. The movie trailer gives you a sense of effective storytelling in this documentary. NEXT SHOWINGS - In Republic On September 28 at the public library in Republic, Missouri, we kick off Missouri Good Neighbor Week with two free screenings of the movie in the library community room. The first screening is from noon to 2 p.m. followed by the second from 3 to 5 p.m. See details here . THE MOVIE The film explores the decades-long decline in civic infrastructure and the community connectors that could help mend America’s unraveling dem...

  March Madness is a term that has become synonymous with the NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament, an annual event that captivates sports fans across the United States. This highly anticipated tournament takes place every March and features 68 college basketball teams competing in a single-elimination format to determine the national champion.  The term "March Madness" perfectly encapsulates the frenzy and excitement of this tournament, as teams battle it out on the court in a quest for glory. It also captures the Madness (or fascination) surrounding men's college basketball at this time of the year. MARCH NEIGHBORLINESS This year, instead of March Madness (which started in 1939), what about a bracket for March Neighborliness?  The March Neighborliness chart can be downloaded from Google Drive  here for free .  I created bracket in 2023 so it has yet to become a cultural phenomenon that transcends the world of anything, like March Madness in sports. March Madness h...

Ah, the dreaded writer's block - the arch-nemesis of every aspiring wordsmith. When creativity decides to take a vacation and leaves you high and dry, it can feel like trying to squeeze blood from a stone.  But fear not, I am here to offer some tongue-in-cheek advice on what to write about when your creative well runs dry. After all, I’ve been doing this for a while. The first column I wrote for a weekly newspaper covering western Greene County was in 1989, and I have been writing steadily since then. First, let's address the elephant in the room -- the blank computer screen staring back at me like my dog Otis when I forget to give him his evening Milkbone. Why not start by writing about the absurdity of writer's block itself? You could pen a satirical piece about the trials and tribulations of trying to summon the muse when she's off sipping Dr. Pepper on a tropical island. Trust me, she's not thinking about you. If self-deprecation is more your style, consider wri...

  Television and media company A&E has an online show known as Neighbor Wars. The videos are easily found on YouTube; even the boring ones get over 2 million views. Week after week, A&E shows videos of neighbors at their worst arguing over fence lines, parked cars, barking dogs, and lemonade stands, or seeking revenge over a conflict. My worst neighbor experience was having a group of boys play on and run across my new muddy yard when I was trying to get grass to grow 30 years ago. Thankfully, no video exists of me yelling, “Get off my lawn.” Other people have endured worse situations with neighbors. Just searching the websites of Springfield media outlets, you can find recent stories of arguments, shootings, and drug busts in Springfield involving neighbors. NEIGHBORS FROM HELL Bob Borzotta knows enough about dealing with difficult neighbors that he wrote a book titled, “Neighbors From Hell: Managing Today’s Brand of Conflict Close to Home.” A former news reporter, Borzott...

Loving your neighbor may seem outdated or countercultural in a world that often emphasizes individualism and self-interest. However, genuinely caring for and showing kindness to those around us holds immense transformative power. Let’s consider how loving your neighbor goes against societal norms and why it remains crucial in fostering a more compassionate society. 1. Challenging Self-Centeredness In a culture that often prioritizes personal success and achievement, loving your neighbor requires a shift in focus from oneself to others. It challenges the prevailing notion that self-interest should be the driving force behind our actions. By actively seeking to understand and support our neighbors, we break free from the self-centered mindset and embrace a more empathetic perspective. 2. Overcoming Social Divisions Loving your neighbor transcends societal divisions such as race, religion, or socioeconomic status. It encourages us to see beyond these superficial differences and recognize ...