Save The Library

When I was a child, one of my favorite school days was library day. By simply opening a book, I could travel to distant lands, be a pioneer on the prairie, solve a mystery, or learn to create art. Immersing myself in a book was like stepping through a magical gate to a different world, and still is.

The Bookmobile, a library on wheels, would come to the school occasionally. Through the summers, the bookmobile kept us supplied with reading material since Grandin had no public library.

The OEO (Office of Economic Opportunity) was established by Lyndon Johnson during his “War on Poverty” campaign in the 1960s. Bo Abbott was the Center Coordinator for Carter County OEO.

Eunice Pennington, the librarian at Van Buren, established the branch libraries at Grandin and Ellsinore. Nola Kitterman was hired as librarian at the Grandin branch. Penny Carrick assumed Abbott’s role in 1973, and did so for 13 years. OEO was now called “South Central Missouri Economic Opportunities.”

Both entities were located in the “Rock House” where Lil Black River Cafe now resides, from 1969 to 1985, when they moved to the Methodist parsonage, just behind the Methodist Church. OEO was open five days a week, the library was open three.

In an excerpt from some of Mrs. Kitterman’s writings, she speaks fondly of her days as librarian. “In July 1969, James (Bo) Abbott came to my door and asked me to work for the OEO in the library. I didn’t think I could do it at all. Didn’t think I had enough education, but finally decided to try.

“Today I am proud of my job. I have tried very hard to be honest with everyone I have worked with. I have thanked the Lord many times for sending James Abbott to my door. The Lord has helped me through many trials, and I learn something new every day.”

Today, many small-town libraries are facing closure due to lack of funding, and because of easily accessible downloads of books from the internet. But for many people, a tablet will never replace the smell, or the feel, of a book in their hands. My brother Carl was the librarian in Grandin for a few years and the number of people utilizing the library then was gradually declining.

Sadly, by the end of the month, my hometown’s little library may be closing its doors. The main library in Van Buren sites low circulation for the past year as the main reason for its possible closing.

If you would like to voice concerns or express ideas to help keep Grandin Library open, call the Van Buren library at 573-323-4315 and speak with Donna. Or visit the Grandin library if you’re a resident of Carter County, and check out some books!

Its hours are 9-4 on Tuesday and Thursday.