From the Ground Up: Springfield-Greene County Library District Republic Branch

Last edited 1:59 p.m., May 13, 2025 [Editor's note: The Republic branch of the Springfield-Greene County Library District is being paid for through an even split of American Rescue Plan Act funds and a library fundraising effort that is now underway, according to library Community Relations Director Vickie Hicks. The May 12 From the Ground Up feature listed only ARPA money as a funding source.]

Owner: Springfield-Greene County Library District
General contractor: Nabholz Construction Corp.
Architect: Paragon Architecture LLC
Engineers: Olsson Inc., civil; Toth and Associates Inc., structural; and True Engineering Group LLC, mechanical, electrical and plumbing
Size: 21,820 square feet
Cost: $8.9 million
Funding source: American Rescue Plan Act and library fundraising
Estimated completion: May 2026
Project description: Under construction beside the existing Republic branch of the Springfield-Greene County Library District – which remains in operation throughout the project – is a new building that will double the size of the original, according to library officials. Plans for the inside of the building call for a refreshed interior that officials say is designed to connect the inside of the building with the outdoors. It will feature dedicated children’s and teens’ areas, community and meeting rooms – including a 150-seat auditorium – and maker studios for creating music, videos and recordings. Outdoor amenities are also planned, including a walking trail and an area called the Exploratorium, with interactive learning zones for children. District officials say the project is in response to what they described as explosive growth in the city of Republic.