Travis Pringle, Columbia and Boone County Library District Board Member
Travis Pringle has called Boone County home for 12 years. He attended the University of Missouri from 2005-2010, graduating with double majors in English and History. Following graduation, he joined the Peace Corps, serving in Madagascar and teaching English to students in grades 6-10 from 2011-2013. He returned to Mizzou for law school in 2015, where he met his wife, Mary Grace.
He is currently the chief deputy counsel for the staff of the Missouri Public Service Commission, regulating investor-owned utilities throughout the state.
What were your favorite books from childhood?
When I was young, my parents would read Little Golden Books and the “Berenstain Bears” to me and my two younger brothers before bed. Those books inspired a love for reading that continues to this day. Anything from Shel Silverstein was also constantly read in our house.
What is one of your cherished personal library memories?
It’s hard to choose just one! The day I discovered Batman books at the Columbus Public Library (where I grew up) definitely stands out. I was wandering around, and then — BOOM! — a coffee table book (that was probably bigger than me at the time) with Michael Keaton dressed as Batman was sitting right there on a lower shelf. And there were so many more Batman books next to it! It was like opening up a door to another world.
What books would you recommend others read and why?
There are two books that I highly recommend to everyone. The first is the “The Ministry for the Future” by Kim Stanley Robinson. The novel is
a chilling yet hopeful look at what could happen as our climate continues to change. Second, I recommend “White Teeth” by Zadie Smith. This title is one of the most enjoyable, funny and endearing books I have ever read.
Why are libraries important to our community?
Libraries are safe spaces where everyone is welcome. This is made possible by our amazing library staff. Whether it’s a place for a cup of coffee, help with a research project, or even just a good book recommendation, libraries have something for everyone. There’s something about walking through those library doors that makes me want to smile every time.
What makes DBRL different from other libraries you’re acquainted with?
The number of different resources DBRL provides the community. Whether it be passport services or free equipment rentals for library meeting room users, there are so many things that DBRL provides our community.
Why were you interested in serving on the library board of trustees?
I wanted to stand up for our libraries, and make sure that DBRL continues to welcome everyone through its doors. I also want to show our staff just how much our community supports them and the library’s mission.
Each library board member serves on his or her own district board as well as on the Daniel Boone Regional Library board, which is the governing body responsible for policy-making and fiscal oversight.