New Republic Library would be one for the books

Council OK's lot donation on Oakwood for next Republic library, would include auditorium
 
 
With the help of Republic City Council a new library is possibly on the way for the city of Republic.
Thanks to $4.5 million in (matching) ARPA (American Rescue Plan Act) funds awarded to the Springfield Greene County Library Association, the group is looking to build an all-new, much larger Republic Branch Library.
Although the city of Republic wasn't keen on giving money to the project, they did have another asset to offer—land. Specifically, a lot south of Republic Ford on Oakwood Avenue and Farm Road 170, originally intended for the next Republic City Hall. However, since the purchase of the land years ago (2015-2016), city officials would now rather see a future city hall on the Highway MM corridor—southeast of Amazon, leaving the original lot available.
During the Sept. 6 Republic City Council meeting, the council voted 7-0-1, with council member Brandon Self abstaining, to go forward with the land transaction as an in-kind contribution to the cause, if the library system decides to move the project forward.
Although all the specifics weren't yet released, the new library would be a show stopper, including such amenities as an auditorium, conference rooms, maker space and cowork space.
Although the future of the current library is unknown, Republic City Administrator David Cameron said it would likely be sold to help build the incoming library.
No timeline was given for the project, but all ARPA funds have to be spent by 2026.