Small town searching for resources for a county library

ARBYRD, Mo. (KAIT) - Residents in one Southeast Missouri town feel like they are deprived when it comes to an adequate library.

Although Arbyrd only has around 500 people, the small town believes it deserves its own library branch.

Jeff Wilson with the Arbyrd Community Development Corporation and mayor of Arbyrd said people have asked him for years why they don’t have access to the county library.

“I get calls almost daily about where are we at with the library. How do we get access to it? I said I guess we drive to Kennett and beg them,” Wilson said.

The closest county library is just three miles away, but Wilson is worried about the safety of children who either walk or ride their bikes and have to cross Highway 412. He brought those concerns to the library board but was told they did not qualify.

“They felt like we had access to a library, and I just have no idea how they can define that the closest one is Cardwell which is 3 miles away,” Wilson said.

It’s been 12 years since Arbyrd had a county library branch. Since then they have found another way to provide their citizens with a space.

“We were forced to seek out a federal program, a little free library program, and our little library is great. It is being used. We have people use it every day,” Wilson said.

Although Wilson and others do love their little library, he said it does not provide the programs of a county-funded library. He said he just wants to be heard.

“Arbyrd needs theirs,” Wilson said. “We pay our taxes up there and we feel like we should have a seat at the table as well.”

Wilson said they will continue to push for a county library.

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