For 68 years, the library has been at the heart of Christian County, growing and adapting to community needs. Let’s take a stroll down memory lane and see just how far we’ve come — from one cozy branch with 14,000 books to a thriving library district.
Logos
The CCL logo has had its fair share of makeovers, each one capturing the spirit of the times:
- C.C. Bookworm, adopted in 1975, became a beloved symbol of the library’s welcoming spirit
- The Blue and White logo marked a new era of modernization and growth
- The Book Stack logo symbolizes the library’s dedication to literacy and resources for all
Expanding Branch Locations
In just the last six years, we’ve gone from a single branch location to a multi-branch library network:
The Ozark Branch in 1972
The four Christian County Library branches in Clever, Nixa, Ozark and Sparta
The Ozark Branch had a few makeovers over the years (1985 and 2017). The Nixa Branch held its ground opening in 2018, with Sparta and Clever opening and rounding the library out at four full-service branches in 2021 serving as unique community hubs.
The Bookmobile Evolution
Bookmobile in 1949; Outreach Department in 2023
A bookmobile started cruising county roads back in the 1940s, long before there was a physical library building in Christian County. Fast forward to now, and it’s evolved into the Outreach Department, delivering library books and materials to schools, community drop-off points, assisted living facilities and patrons who are unable to leave their homes. Next time you see one of the library vans out and about, give it a friendly wave!
From a Trio to a Team of 60
Lucille Anderson, library director 1956-1973; Nixa Branch opening, 2018
Back in 1956, the library was operated by just three scrappy staff members: Lucille Anderson (Library Director), Ruth Davis (Library Assistant) and Ben Hart (Bookmobile Driver). Today, a team of 60 is spread across four branches, with specialized divisions like Youth Services, Interlibrary Loan, IT and Facilities.
A Digital Wonderland
Springfield News-Leader article, Ozark 1999; Nixa Branch, 2023
Libraries are early adopters of technology. In 1988, a shiny new fax machine was added. In 1999, a close-circuit television. But, in 2001, a grant from the Bill Gates Foundation brought much-needed updated software, wiring and tech to the library including computers, printers and servers. Today, there is high-speed internet and Wi-Fi, 45 public computers, 45 Wi-Fi Hotspots, over one million digital books and audiobooks, five social media accounts and dozens of online research databases. We’ve come a long way from the dial-up days!
Beyond Books: The Ever-Expanding Collection
We’ve always been more than just books. Case in point: in 1957, the library offered 16mm film and a projector, phonograph recordings and puzzles in the collection.
Now, there’s a whole part of the collection dubbed Library of Things, with musical instruments, baking equipment, board games, fishing poles and even a Nintendo Switch. And the traditional collection of books, movies and magazines is obviously still going strong.
A Clock That Stands the Test of Time
Springfield Daily News article, Ozark 1972; Ozark Branch 2023
Lots have changed over the years. One thing that hasn’t changed is this clock, which has been around since pretty much the dawn of time. It’s ticked through six directors and decades of happy patrons, always keeping perfect time in the Ozark Branch.
From 14,000 Books to Thousands More
Springfield Daily News article, Ozark 1972; Ozark Branch 2022
When the library first opened its doors in 1956, there were 14,000 books crammed into a 2,000-square-foot space.
Today, the collection has exploded with over 86,000 physical and 1,524,875 digital materials altogether housed in a combined total of 44,000 square feet.
Be Part of the Legacy: Get Your Library Card
As we reflect and celebrate 68 years of service, now’s the perfect time to join the library family. Get a library card today and discover all the resources, technology and community connections available. Here’s to the next chapter!