The mission of the Morton-James Public Library is to welcome and support all people in their enjoyment of reading and pursuit of lifelong learning. We strive to provide equal access to quality materials and services to meet the community’s informational, educational, recreational, and cultural needs through books, technology, programs and other resources. We believe in the freedom to read, to learn, and discover.
Library Staff
Barbara Hegr – Library Director
Louan Beard – Assistant Director
Sue Bennett – Children’s Library Director
Library Assistants
LaVonda Bando – Cataloging and Technology Center
Lisa Guthals – Children’s Library and 6th Grade Coordinator
Brenda Cunningham – Interlibrary Loan and Young Adult Coordinator
John Davis – Reference and Information Services Coordinator
Clerks
Dawn Moynihan
Kathryn Mockerman
Kathy O'Connell
Library Board
The Library Board of the Morton-James Public Library is a governing board. The Library Board shall consist of five members to be appointed by the mayor with the consent of the City Council. Each board member is appointed for a four (4) year term in a staggered manner as required by law.
Current Library Board Members
Carol Boyce - President
Linda Engel - Vice President
Becky Claussen
Duane Arends
Alan Fox
Library Foundation
The Morton-James Public Library Foundation is a non-profit corporation established to accept gifts and bequests to further the services for the Morton-James Public Library.
Friends of the Library
Friends of the Morton-James Public Library, is a volunteer organization affiliated with the Morton-James Public Library. The purpose of the organization shall be to assist the library in all facets of operation and fund raising with the goal of increased library resources and greater community use of the library.
History of the Library
Due to conflicting reports it is difficult to discern just when and where the first literary association was formed in Nebraska City. The Young Men’s Literary Association was organized in November of 1867 and the following year consolidated with the Nebraska City Mercantile Library Association.
In 1869, fourteen pioneer women formed the Round Table Club. In the summer of 1881 the women took possession of the library of the Young Men’s Library Association. This woman’s group was incorporated in 1882 as the Ladies Library Association and they started to raise money for a library.
At this time J. W. Steinhart, a cashier of the Otoe County Bank had an opportunity to visit with Joy Morton son of J. Sterling Morton in his Chicago Office. Mr. Steinhart told Mr.
About the Library