Dear Springfield Mama

The new Republic Branch Library has tickled my periphery for months now, but I hadn’t quite understood the magnitude of this public amenity until I visited last week on a hot July day.

The roughly $9 million property is much more than stacks of beautiful books — although it is definitely that. It is an indoor play area for littles, a safe and protected outdoor space for toddlers and play dates, a creative studio for tweens and teens… and an exhale for parents and caregivers.

Although it’s about a 20-minute drive from Springfield, I left thinking I’d happily make the trip again.

Find it quick: Republic Branch Library for all types

• What to do with toddlers, preschoolers and littles
• What teens might enjoy
• A spot for creatives
• Amenities for clubs and groups

Don’t miss! If you could only explore one section of this library, let it be the slick Maker’s Space tucked into the east wing of the building. My jaw was on the floor when the manager walked me through this creatively outfitted arm of the library, which I completely missed on my first visit. More on that later.

It officially opened in February, and local journalists reported lots of new space and a sharp increase in locals actually showing up to use it.

For littles: What makes the Republic Branch Library’s kids section special

Children and parents get their own walled-off space in this branch, where books are stacked on one side, and the other is dedicated to play nooks stocked with imaginative toys and equipment.

The room is filled with light thanks to abundant windows and its own dedicated glass door that opens to a children’s play space outside. The yard is tucked at the back of the building, making it feel quiet and safe. There is a large turf play area that toddlers and preschoolers will love to explore.

The play area is adjacent to a paved patio, where wooden toys were staged at a workbench and musical instruments border a walking path.

A very short paved trail winds around the back of the property, where families can walk past framed book pages to read as they meander.

Of course, the soul of the children’s department is still the books. Shelves are packed with picture books, early readers and chapter books, making it easy for young readers to discover a new favorite before heading outside to play or settling into one of the cozy reading nooks. I’m a fan of any design that helps link fun and reading in the minds of kids.

Don’t miss the Mother’s Room! Ask a librarian to show you where the private Mother’s Room is, where you can comfortably nurse your baby, pump, change a diaper, or just chill in a quiet space. There’s a minifridge for you to store milk, and even a little busy board for accompanying toddlers.

For tweens and teens: Space to relax and connect

Older kids get their own arm of the library, where a gorgeous light fixture hangs over stacks, a cushy seating area, and a shelf full of board games, fidgets, and cards.

On the other side of the library is a workspace reminiscent of a coworking hub. There are desktop computers, empty work desks, small tables and chairs, and soundproof pods for taking phone or video calls.

But you might find your teens gravitating toward the Maker Space, located adjacent to the computer hub. Not specifically for teens, the Maker Space is open to all ages. However, it’s likely to draw the most creative tinkerers in your family, and I think would have high appeal to older kids.

For creatives: The Maker Space

This is the most unbelievable library amenity at your disposal. Even if you don’t know the first thing about the equipment in this room, the library staff is there to teach you FOR FREE.

Whether you’re making a personalized Christmas ornament, sewing a tote bag, designing a custom mug or finally digitizing decades-old family videos, the Maker Space offers an impressive collection of tools that most of us would never own at home. (Full list of equipment and potential project ideas below).

All you have to do is call 417-616-0654, email or make an appointment on the library website, and you will get one-on-one training to learn any machine you’d like. Once you’re comfortable using it, you can make an appointment any time the room is staffed and work independently.

What kinds of projects can I make with the tools in the Maker Space?

• 3D printers: Design and print toys, replacement game pieces, cookie cutters, keychains, tools, organizers, classroom models and custom gifts.
• Laser engraver: Personalize cutting boards, ornaments, leather patches, acrylic signs or other keepsakes with names or designs. Build home decor, models, tools, or more.
• Cricut cutting machine: Make vinyl decals, greeting cards, custom T-shirts, classroom labels, paper crafts and party decorations.
• Sublimation and heat presses: Create professional-looking mugs, tumblers, hats, shirts, tote bags and other personalized gifts.
• Button maker: Turn artwork or photos into wearable buttons for school clubs, birthdays or special events.
• Sewing and quilting machine: Sew clothing, hem pants, make pillows, quilts, tote bags or simple beginner sewing projects.
• Soldering station: Learn basic electronics by repairing small devices or building simple circuits and hobby projects.
• Media digitization station: Preserve family memories by converting old VHS tapes, camcorder tapes, cassette tapes, slides and film into digital files.

The Maker Space can also be a home base for creative clubs and gatherings, which have access to all the equipment plus a collection of hand tools like hot glue guns, exacto knives, scissors and more helpful items for hobbyists. Clubs can make an appointment to reserve tables to gather.

For groups: Meeting rooms abound

This library branch has several meeting rooms available to book, including a massive 150-person event room with a fridge and commercial ice machine.

There are smaller conference rooms perfect for small Bible studies, meetups, staff trainings, or tutoring sessions — all free to reserve on the library website.

Whether you’re looking for an afternoon’s entertainment, a creative hub, or a social meeting spot, the Republic Branch Library is an excellent new spot for Springfield families. We can’t wait to go back.

In an age when so much competes for our children’s attention, spaces like this matter. The books are still the heart of the library, but the thoughtful design gives kids a reason to keep coming back — and that’s a win for families and for reading.

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