Library Foundation Receives $100,000 Grant for Midtown Carnegie Renovations

The Springfield-Greene County Library Foundation has received a $100,000 grant from the Jeannette L. Musgrave Foundation in partnership with the Community Foundation of the Ozarks to support renovations at the Midtown Carnegie Branch Library.

Bridget Dierks, Director of Institutional Advancement for the Library Foundation, said Jeanette L. Musgrave’s spirit of generosity will help fund a number of critical improvements to the 120-year-old building. It was recently renovated and reopened in June to offer patrons improved access.

“It is an honor to continue Mrs. Musgrave's legacy at the Midtown Carnegie Branch Library, where we have served library patrons for 120 years,” Dierks said. “With our recent renovations, this branch in the heart of Springfield is able to ensure equal access to patrons seeking an opportunity to connect with our robust community programming, library services, and collection.”

The $4.5 million renovation project was partially funded by federal American Recovery Plan Act grants distributed by the city of Springfield and Greene County. Work included two major tasks that improved access to the library’s resources:

• An expanded entrance with accessible ramps, offering access to the library’s basement and main floor.

• Elevator repairs that ensure people can access each of the library’s three floors while indoors.

The project also included upgrading and modernizing a heating and air conditioning system, as well as improving water pipes. A grand opening celebration will be held later this year.