“Pushing the Limits” on August 15th at 6 p.m. at Caruthersville Public Library

Caruthersville Public Library is teaming up with the National Weather Service in Memphis for an interesting program this fall, “Pushing the Limits”. An introductory session will take place on August 15th at 6:00 p.m. All are welcome to attend and get a feel for the program before committing to the three monthly sessions in September, October, and November.

Director Teresa Tidwell describes it as a science café meets a book club. The idea is to gather teachers, farmers and anyone with an interest in weather extremes and climate change to read books on the topic and discuss issues facing southeast Missouri and the region.

"I wanted to bring a different type of adult program to the library because weather and its changes are not often discussed in libraries," Tidwell said.

The "Pushing the Limits" grant program is supplying the Caruthersville Public Library with books and discussion materials, as well as a number of videos which will be shown and discussed in each session. Members of the group will read three books during the programming, one a month, and then meet in to discuss them and the videos and other information about each month’s themes – Change, Community, and Strategy.  Tidwell hopes people with different views on climate change and weather extremes will be able to talk openly about this sometimes controversial subject.

Caruthersville Public Library is one of 50 libraries across the country who received the PLACE grant, a library-hosted reading, viewing, and discussion program for adults in underserved and rural communities, made possible by other grants from the from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and the National Science Foundation . Tidwell says if this year's discussions go well, she will work on making programming like this an annual event. “I believe that programs like this are a good opportunity for public libraries in rural areas to keep their communities informed,” she said.

"It's relatable directly to the people who live here, so it is about rural southeast MO farmers and everyday people," Tidwell said.

The grant also provides National Weather Service professional, Gary Woodall, from Memphis NOAA to help moderate the discussions and answer questions. 

“We are looking forward to Mr. Woodall’s expertise on weather issues facing our community and our area. He has given a number of Storm Spotter Training sessions at Caruthersville Public Library in the past, so residents may be familiar with him and comfortable in discussing the issues with him and other community members,” Tidwell added.