Every community has stories worth telling.
If you’ve ever wandered through the Anderson History Room, located in the Ozark Branch, you know how special it is. From early records and archived newspapers to rare genealogical documents, it serves as a time capsule. Numerous patrons have handled these well-loved materials over the years, and they’ve begun to show their age. We’re talking cracked spines, worn covers and pages falling out.
Something needed to be done.
“Many books are fragile and damaged to the point I was afraid they may disappear forever,” Collection Services Manager Charlee Evans said. “Books in our local history section cannot be replaced since they are out of print, meaning a piece of history would be lost forever.”
That’s where the Friends of the Christian County Library (FOCCL) step in.
“We’re always looking for ways to help and assist the library,” said FOCCL President Lonnie Brandon. “When this idea was brought to us, we thought it was a perfect fit and met the mission and purpose of the organization. And during the vote to fund this project at the last general meeting, it was unanimously passed by members.”
An inaugural set of 25 books and several magazines was sent to a professional conservator. Some of those titles include works from well-known local authors such as J.H. Garrison, Wayne Glenn, John K. Hulston, and Lucile Morris Upton. There are even books printed as far back as 1870.
The process is more than a cosmetic fix; it involves breaking them down and rebuilding from the spine up.
These books will be repaired via a process called “cleat-sewn binding.” This is where small cleats (narrow strips of paper or cloth) are attached to the edge of each loose page or section, forming a sturdy text block. Next, a strong PVA (polyvinyl acetate) glue is added, filling the notches to lock the threads into place. The entire process adds plasticity, allowing the book to flex and bend during use.
Once the process is complete, the materials will be shipped back to the library and placed on the shelf for researchers, historians, students and curious patrons to resume exploring our past.
The first batch of materials will cost about $750 to repair. Yet, the FOCCL is committed to continuing to fund this work.
“It is our plan to make this a long-term, perpetual commitment to provide funds until every item that needs repair is given the attention, for as long as it needs,” Lonnie said.
What’s especially exciting is that this project is one example of how the FOCCL binds together others in the community to promote literacy, learning and lifelong curiosity. If you’re not already a Friend of the Christian County Library member, consider joining. More information can be found here.
The next time you visit the Ozark Branch, take a moment to stop by the Anderson History Room and see the transformation for yourself. Can’t get enough local history and genealogy? Grab your library card and jump into the many online research databases, including Ancestry.com, Chronicling America: Historic American Newspapers, Missouri Digital Heritage, Missouri Digital Newspaper Project and more!
