Mission Statement

Mission

The Robertson Memorial Library serves as the public information provider for our community, using traditional and innovative technology to encourage curiosity, free inquiry and lifelong learning in a friendly environment.

It is the mission of this policy statement to provide a general set of guidelines for the development and maintenance of the materials collections offered by the Library.

Philosophy

1. It is the aim of this Library to meet the informational, educational, cultural and recreational needs of our patrons by providing library materials and information sources in a variety of formats and reading levels in accordance with the mission and goals of this Library, the varied interests of our patrons, and budgetary constraints.
2. In compliance with our constitutional rights of freedom of speech and freedom of the press, the Library will attempt to provide the widest range of viewpoints based on the quality, cost, and availability of the materials for purchase.

HISTORY

Library interest in Higginsville originated in 1928 by the P.E.O. president, Mrs. Alma Lyons. She promoted the library project with membership dues. The first library opened July 2, 1928 on the second floor of City Hall in the Mayor’s office. The library was known as the Higginsville Free Public Library with 418 volumes and was opened two days a week. The present library has been located 19 West 20th Street since February 1957. The library was named “Robertson Memorial” in memory of Miss Margaret E. Robertson who left her real estate and financial holdings to the City of Higginsville to be used for library purposes. A $30,000 bond issue was approved for construction and fixtures. In 1980 an addition was completed that nearly doubled the size of the library. Today the library has over 35,000 volumes and is opened five days a week.

The Robertson Memorial Library is funded by revenue from city property taxes. Patrons living within the city limits and surrounding area may obtain a library card free of charge.

A parent’s signature is required for children under 16 to obtain a card. In signing this card, the parent assumes responsibility for any materials a child loses or damages while in his possession.

The library’s card catalog and circulation are all automated and accessible online.

We have 4 computers for our patron’s use. All of the computers are Internet accessible