Within view of Old Route 66, the new automobile-themed Strafford Branch Library, the tenth facility in the Springfield-Greene County Library District, will open to the public on Saturday [August 9].

At 10 a.m., the black-and-white checkered ribbon will be cut by Mayor Barbara Helvey and the eastern Greene County community of about 2,500 people will be welcomed to their new branch library, an attractive storefront in the Chestnut Plaza on State Highway 125 at Interstate 44.

"Our town is in a growth stage and it's imperative to have a library," said City Administrator Tom Vicat. "That's why we are excited and thrilled to see this happen." The father of seven grown children and "lots of grandchildren" enthusiastically noted that the new facility is "just a couple hundred yards east of the school campus."

After the ribbon cutting, Stag Owens & the Stagaroos, featuring the sublime Katie McCroskey and pals in a honky-tonk mood, will perform at 11 a.m. At 2 p.m., Strafford author Ginnie Gail will read from her book, "The Great Pigeon Race," and illustrator Don Griffin will display a couple of his paintings and tell the kids what it takes to be an artist.

The Strafford Historical and Preservation Society contributed to the décor of the 2,500-square-foot branch; their members chose various images to be included in two murals that will advance the "historical road" theme and Empire Bank picked up the tab for the two Dan Rockafellow-designed pieces.

The Friends of the Library, who, for more than 25 years, have steadfastly raised money for the Library District, also had a hand in the décor. The group funded the Strafford Branch to the tune of $26,300 which bought most of the furnishings.

"We are happy to raise funds for new facilities," said president Bill Bogart. "Every time the library opens a new branch is an opportunity for more people to have access to books and learning. It's a snowball effect, and we are glad to be part of it."

The Friends also funded a portion of the interior of the recently opened Park Central Branch Library in downtown Springfield, and, in years past, have helped remodel existing facilities, especially the children's departments.

Now that there's a library in Strafford, Bogart thinks there might be some patrons who would like to join the Friends (a mere $8 per family), so he will be there with membership brochures.