TABLE OF CONTENTS
UPDATE: The Nixa Branch and all library book drops are now open, including the new book drop at the OC! Click on the table of contents above to find answers to your questions about where you can pick up and return library materials while the Ozark Branch is being renovated, or give us a call at our Nixa Branch, (417)724-6100.
With Nixa Branch renovations complete, the Library Board of Trustees has approved a timeline for the extensive Ozark Branch renovations happening this spring and summer and library closures associated with it. Renovations will mean there will be a short period where our Clever Branch is the only one in operation – even our community partner pick-up and book drop locations like the Nixa X Center, Sparta Town and Country, and the Highlandville Express Mart will be temporarily without library service so we can quickly establish services in Nixa and start Ozark renovations.
There will be a longer period – May 19th – August 10th – where Ozark residents won’t have a branch in town, but may use our temporary pick up and drop off location at the OC in Ozark, or head to the new Nixa Branch for full access to library services while the Ozark Branch undergoes renovations. Read on to learn more. Send additional questions to our Ask a Librarian link and we’ll add them to our FAQ page.
Here is the general timeline for closing and opening of the Ozark and Nixa Branches:
April 5, 2018
- Last day Christian County Library patrons can request items through MOBIUS until May 21
April 14, 2018
- Last delivery of requested library materials to community partner locations, including the Nixa X Center, Sparta Town and Country Grocery, and Highlandville Express Mart
April 24, 2018
- Ozark Branch closed for moving and renovations
- All book drop and pick up locations, including the Ozark Branch, Nixa X Center, Sparta Town and Country, and Highlandville Express will temporarily cease operation, with the exception of the Clever Branch
May 5, 2018
- Bon Voyage Ozark event, 3:00-6:00 p.m. Stop by and see the empty Ozark Branch before renovations start!
May 19, 2018
- Nixa Branch Grand Opening
- All book drops and pick up locations resume, with the exception of the Ozark Branch
- Temporary pick up and drop off of library materials begins at the OC in Ozark
August 11, 2018
- Ozark Branch Grand Re-Opening
When will the Ozark Branch close for renovations?
The Ozark Branch will close for renovations beginning April 24, 2018 and is anticipated to reopen August 11, 2018.
Why does the Ozark Branch need to close?
The Ozark Branch is undergoing major renovations to nearly all of the interior. All furniture, library materials, technology, and finishes will be removed during the remodel. Here are some of the major renovations taking place:
- Public bathrooms and main entrance will be brought up to compliance
- Wiring and plumbing will be improved
- New flooring, lighting, and ceilings will be installed
- Some walls will be removed or demolished
- A drive-through and storytime room will be added
It is not possible for the branch to operate during renovations. In August, the Ozark Branch will re-open bigger and better than ever.
When will the Nixa Branch open, and what can I expect there?
The Nixa Branch is now open. It is located at 208 McCroskey St. in Nixa, just behind the Southern Bank branch that’s next to McDonald’s on Highway 14.
The library occupies just over 9,000 square feet of the building. It includes a large meeting space, a smaller storytime room, two study rooms, and ample seating and space for charging devices. It will house a full collection of materials including books, magazines, DVDs, and audiobooks for children, teens, and adults. It will have ten public access computers, public printing for a small fee, and a coin-operated copy machine for public use. All library users will have access to the full Christian County Library collection, no matter what branch an item is located at, as well as borrowing privileges through MOBIUS and Interlibrary Loan services. Nixa Branch users can pick up requested materials at the main desk in the library or at the drive-through service window on the north side of the building.
What will happen with the X Center pick-up and drop-off service?
Starting April 24th, pick-up and drop-off of materials at the Nixa X Center will no longer be available. However, the book drop at the X Center will re-open for returns when the Nixa Branch opens, by May 19th. Pick-up services will not resume, since Nixa library patrons will be able to pick up their holds at the nearby Nixa Branch.
What will happen with the Highlandville and Sparta pick-up and drop-off service?
The Highlandville and Sparta pick-up and drop off sites will temporarily cease operation on April 24th so library staff can transition operations from the Ozark Branch to the Nixa Branch. These pick-up and drop-off locations will re-open as soon as the library’s outreach department can set up temporary operations in Nixa, no later than May 19th.
The Clever Branch will be operating with extended hours during this whole process, and library materials may always be returned there. The exterior drop box in Clever is located behind the building and may be used 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
How do I pick up books at the OC?
Beginning May 19th, library holds can be picked up at the front desk at the OC in Ozark. All pre-existing holds with an Ozark pick up location will be delivered here, and patrons will be notified by their usual preferred method, phone call or e-mail, when an item is ready for pick up. When requesting an item to be picked up at the OC in COOLcat, choose Ozark as your pick up location. When you are notified that your items are ready, you’ll have seven days to stop by the OC to pick them up. Bring your I.D. or library card to the front counter; OC staff will hand you a canvas bag with your requested materials and ask you to sign a paper receipt. Your materials will be officially “checked out” once the library picks up and processes those slips, which may take up to three days. Check for due dates online or call the library to ask. You may also return books to the OC at a drive-up book drop, open by May 19th.
Where can I return library materials while my branch is closed?
Between April 24 and May 19, library materials may be returned only to the Clever Branch. However, no library materials will be due from April 21st through May 31st, so you are welcome to simply hang on to your materials until book drops (with the exception of the Ozark Branch) re-open, which will happen no later than May 19.
The Clever Branch will be operating with extended hours during this whole process, and library materials may always be returned there. The exterior drop box in Clever is located behind the building, and may be used 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
After May 19th, books may be returned to the following locations:
- The OC: In Ozark, a temporary book drop and pick up location will be established at the OC. You can return materials at the drive-up book drop that will be located there, or pick up reserved materials inside the OC at the main desk.
- Nixa Branch Library: Materials can be returned at the Nixa Branch inside the branch or in the exterior book drop on the north side of the building.
- Nixa X Center: There is a book drop located near the Veteran’s Memorial in front of the X Center.
- Highlandville Express Mart
- Sparta Town and Country Grocery
- Clever Branch Library
What if I have overdue materials and the book drops are closed?
You may return overdue materials to the Clever Branch, or you may wait until the book drops re-open on May 19th. The library will be lenient regarding fines during this process.
Where can I pick up reserved library materials while my branch is closed?
Pick-up of reserved materials will cease temporarily when the Ozark Branch closes April 24th until the Nixa Branch re-opens on May 19th, with the exception of materials that have the Clever Library as a pick up location. Since no returns are being accepted during this period either, all holds will remain essentially frozen until outreach services resume May 19th.
Where can I use public computers and printing while my branch is closed?
The Clever Branch and Nixa Branch offer public computers, a public printer, and free Wi-Fi to all Christian County Library patrons. The Springfield-Greene County Library also offers computer guest passes for $1.
What about MOBIUS and Interlibrary Loan?
During the transition period (April 24th-May 19th) Christian County Library will not be accepting delivery of MOBIUS or Interlibrary Loan materials. Once the MOBIUS/Interlibrary Loan department is established in Nixa, deliveries will resume and library patrons can pick up library materials at all existing pick-up locations, except the Ozark Branch, plus the OC.
What’s happening with the books from Ozark? Where are the Nixa books coming from?
As we transition to more accessible shelving, part of the collection in Ozark will move to the Nixa Branch. Most of the books from the Ozark Branch will be placed in storage during construction. The collection at the Nixa Branch will be a combination of existing and newly purchased materials. When both branches are open, Christian County Library patrons will have access to more than 10,000 new items in the collection with more growth to come.
What about library events? What about the summer reading challenge?
There will be a robust offering of classes, storytimes, and events in both Nixa at the new branch and in Ozark at the OC and other Ozark locations. Watch our calendar for details as they are finalized. The summer reading challenge for kids, teens, and adults opens May 14th online, with events beginning May 19th. More details are coming soon! Participate at http://christiancountylibrary.beanstack.org.
How can I apply for a job at my branch?
All open positions and our employment application are available at our careers page. Submit applications in person at any open branch, or follow the instruction for electronic submission on the job description.
How can I volunteer at my branch?
Fill out the volunteer application. Fill it out and submit in person to any library branch. We will be interviewing new volunteers for our Nixa Branch beginning in June.
Library branches are not accepting book donations at this time due to moving concerns and lack of storage. Beginning June 1, the Nixa Branch will begin accepting book donations. We can accept up to six boxes at a time. See our Donations Policy on p. 32 of our Policy Manual for details on how we handle donations of materials. Donations of any kind to the library are tax deductible.
When will the new Sparta and Clever Branches be built?
As discussed during the lead up to the 2017 election, the East and West County Branches are projected to cost approximately $3 million together. (Costs could rise, depending on timing.) Beginning in 2019, the library will begin to set aside significant funds towards the construction of these branches. It could take 3-5 years to set aside the necessary funds, but our administrators, Board of Trustees, and Foundation are working hard to make it happen as quickly as is financially responsible. In the meantime, you can expect to see library services expanding in these parts of the county, including expanded hours at the existing Clever Branch beginning spring of 2018!