Republic Library bids farewell to former, says hello to new
Library enthusiasts form a line, passing books from one location to the next.
Two librarians, Amanda Harrel, left and right, and Iggi Howe lead an interactive story time, the last to take place in the current library. Behind them are walls covered with signatures and well wishes from patrons. (Photos by Ethan Gray)
About 200 people showed up to the Republic Library on Dec. 6, to celebrate the end of the building’s use, as the library will soon be moving from its current spot to a brand new home of more than 20,000 square feet a stone’s throw to the north. That day was the branch’s final day of regular operations until the new facility opens.
At the event, librarians and library staff helped kids and parents say goodbye while saying goodbye themselves.
The old library is to be demolished, according to Vicki Hicks, community relations director for the Springfield-Greene County Library, but it is currently unknown when that demolition will take place. The new library will open on Feb. 2, something that Tysha Shay, Republic branch manager, has mixed feelings about.
“It’s very exciting, very nostalgic, so it’s definitely like a happy-sad day,” said Shay. “[We’re] very happy and excited that we get to move over to the new branch, and we’re excited for the community to come and see what it’s all about.
”The current library was built in 2009 and is half as large as the new one, which is 22,000 square feet. This was one of the reasons for the change of scenery, said Shay.
“The thing that excites me the most is that we are going to have space,” said Shay
Branch history
According to the Springfield-Greene County Library website, Republic received their first library branch in 1961. The branch has relocated five times to this point, with the new library marking a sixth, though the new location is just a parking lot away as of now.
During their Saturday “see you later alligator” themed event, librarians read to kids and parents alike who have enjoyed the library for more than 15 years. Following this, a chain of people was formed from the current library to the new one, and books were passed along the line until they reached their new accommodations. Not all of the books were passed though; that would be too big a job despite impressive attendance, estimated by Shay to be around 200. Only about 500 books of the estimated 10,000 total were transferred, with a local company contracted to do the rest down the road. The final book, coincidentally, was a book about alligators.
“How wonderful it is but also how sad, this branch definitely holds a lot of nostalgic memories for a lot of people,” said Shay.
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Lawrence County Record
312 S. Hickory St.
Mt. Vernon, MO, 65712
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