Boonslick Regional Library, Boonville, Missouri

After spending the night at the Turner KATY Trail Shelter Hostel in Tebbetts, Missouri (with air conditioning and kitchen, only $5 a night), we headed out under a stormy sky with thunder rumbling in the distance. But the good news- cloudy skies, cool temperatures, and as it turned out, very little rain throughout the day. We made good time and decided to push a little farther today in order to miss some of the heat and sun expected for tomorrow.

60 miles into our ride, we stopped in Boonville- sister city to our hometown of Boone, NC (Daniel Boone really got around). The city received its name since Daniel Boone stayed in the area and worked with two sons that owned a salt lick-- thus the name of the cultural area, Boones Lick Country, or Boonslick. And how do I know so much about Boonville and Boonslick? By talking with Cathy Birk (Branch Supervisor), Julie Carlson and Marilyn Williams (Library Clerks), at the Boonslick Regional Library in Boonville, Missouri. Many cyclists from the KATY Trail stop at the library, with the Library well-situated on Main Street. Visitors may use the computers with ID or relax and learn about the history of the region. 

We really enjoyed our conversation with Cathy, Julie, and Marilyn and learned some interesting things-- such as Will Rogers attended the former Kemper Military School in Boonville; Julie cycled from Fort Collins to Yellowstone in her 20s; and the library was originally a single room in the courthouse until it moved into its current location in 1953, and the library has a portrait painted by George Bingham hanging near the circulation desk. Plus, the library recently received a generous donation from bibliographic philanthropist James Jacobs, a traveler that drives across the United States, dropping off boxes of books at libraries. Sounds like our kind of guy.

Check out our photo below with the library staff. Yes, these three ladies really are as warm and welcoming as they look. Thanks Marilyn, Julie, and Cathy for the good time in Boonville!

Cathy Birk, Marilyn Williams, and Julie Carlson with Beth.

Portrait of Mrs. Thomas Nelson by George Bingham.