Library Foundation Receives $50,000 Grant for Republic Teen Department

The Springfield-Greene County Library Foundation has received a $50,000 grant from the Jeannette L. Musgrave Foundation, in partnership with the Community Foundation of the Ozarks, to support teen services and resources at the new Republic Branch Library.

Bridget Dierks, Director of Institutional Advancement for the Library Foundation, said the grant will help ensure teens in Republic have access to dedicated space, technology, and collections designed to support learning, creativity and connection. 

“We are honored to receive this grant to support our beautiful new teen department in Republic,” Dierks said. “Mrs. Musgrave’s legacy of ensuring young people have access to opportunity continues through this investment, helping us create a safe and engaging place for teens to learn and grow.” 

Grant funding will support the teen collection, shelving, furnishings and dedicated computers for teen use.

The $11.1 million library was partially funded by federal American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) grants distributed by the State of Missouri and Greene County, as well as donations from the community and the Library District’s reserve funds.

The 22,000-square-foot facility, which opened in January 2026, more than doubled the size of the previous Republic Branch and modernized and expanded library services. New features include dedicated children’s and teen spaces, a 150-seat community room, a Business Connect Center with computers and conference rooms, the district’s second Maker Space, an expanded computer lab, and outdoor amenities including a walking path with a permanent StoryWalk installation. A grand opening celebration was held on June 1.