MARIES COUNTY — As summer vacation comes to a close next month, the Heartland Regional Library System is encouraging residents to keep reading, learning and exploring by taking advantage of new books, online educational resources and an expanding “Library of Things” collection throughout August.

In a message to patrons, HRLS Director Lisa Garro thanked the community for making this year’s Summer Reading Program a success and encouraged visitors to continue using library services as students prepare to return to school.

“August brings a new season of opportunities to discover something new,” Garro wrote. “Whether you’re preparing for back-to-school, looking for your next great read, exploring our digital resources, or attending one of our upcoming programs, your library is here for you.”

The library’s August newsletter also spotlights several new additions to its collection.

Among the featured adult fiction titles is Dungeon Crawler Carl by Matt Dinniman, an apocalyptic adventure in which Earth’s buildings collapse into a massive dungeon where survival depends not only on defeating monsters but also entertaining a worldwide audience.

For young adult readers, the library recommends Medicine Wheels by Byron Graves, the story of a teenager who spends the summer with his grandparents on the Wolf Creek reservation after family hardships force him to start over.

Juvenile readers can check out Berserkers by M.A. Larson, an adventure centered on a group of children searching for a missing history teacher and hidden Viking treasure beneath a small Midwestern town.

In addition to books, HRLS continues expanding its “Library of Things,” allowing patrons to borrow tools in the same way they borrow books. The growing collection is intended to help residents complete home repairs, DIY projects and one-time jobs without purchasing equipment. Library officials said additional tools will be arriving soon, with availability announced through the library’s website and social media channels.

Students and lifelong learners also have access to Brainfuse HelpNow, the library’s online learning platform. The service provides live tutoring in subjects including math, science, reading, writing and social studies, along with ACT, SAT, AP and state test preparation. Additional features include a 24-hour writing lab, homework assistance, GED preparation, résumé and cover letter help, Microsoft Office instruction and foreign language support.

Library officials are also asking patrons to complete an online survey as work begins on improving the Heartland Regional Library System’s website. Feedback from the survey will help guide the design and functionality of the updated site.