Editor’s note: This is the first of a twopart story on a recent ‘Ray County Voices’ podcast conversation about local libraries. Part one covers services and early literacy, while part two explores material selection, reading habits and additional resources.

Libraries may be synonymous with books, but local librarians say their role in the community extends well beyond what residents can find on the shelves.

For a September episode of the ‘Ray County Voices’ podcast, Podcast Manager and Sports Editor Shawn Roney spoke with Ray County Library Director Stacy Hisle and Excelsior Springs Mid-Continent Public Library Branch Manager Stephen Chalmers about the services their libraries provide, who they serve and the importance of encouraging reading and early literacy as the ways people access information continue to change.

Hisle noted the Ray County Library serves the county’s approximately 23,000 residents from its location at 215 East Lexington Street in Richmond.

The library’s services includ…