A special thank you to all those who have participated in our “I Remember Rippey” series. Your remembrances have allowed readers to share in our town’s history, activities, sports, school, church, and daily life covering 150 years.
We will continue posting online here, using “I Remember Rippey” remembrances received prior to April 30, 2020. If you would like to read more Rippey history, you may also click on the History tab of the Rippey Library website: https://www.rippey.lib.ia.us .
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I Remember Rippey’s Library by Toni Roberts
The Rippey Library, like the town itself, has changed a lot in the last twenty years. With the loss of many rural farms, circulation was drastically reduced. By 2005 the younger generation still participated in the Summer Reading programs, but were much more interested in playing games on the computer or watching TV or movies instead of reading!
To accommodate those interests, the Rippey Library installed three computers for public use. Friends of Rippey, and the Bill Gates Foundation, helped with the funding of these computers. The State Library Association helped each library with funding and classes to set up their own WEB page to help inform the public of all the libraries’ activities
Many adults participated in a semi-annual book discussion in conjunction with the Greene County Library Association. Other programs offered included: travelogues (given by locals about trips abroad), a book signing from a former resident, and a photography show (by a renowned photography judge who was a hometown boy). An annual soup contest was held in January, a fun event to raise money and get people out and about during the doldrums of winter.
Besides using free Wi-Fi services, members of the community could also use the printer, fax, and copier for a nominal fee. The small community room in back was used by several local groups to play cards, hold meetings, and watch movies at special holidays. Every May the Rippey Alumni would meet for a reception and a chance to chat with classmates and view the Rippey High School class photos that adorned the walls.
By 2012 the library was “bursting at the seams” and needed a larger area to accommodate the collection and have more space for activities. Over the July 4th weekend the entire library was moved to the newly renovated building that had been the Masonic Hall. The momentous event was accomplished by the efforts of many volunteers, both adults and youngsters, and by financial help from the Friends of Rippey. In addition to a beautiful, spacious area for the library, there was also room for an upgraded kitchen area, bathrooms, and a large community room.
Everything was new—more computers, handsome wooden shelving, desk and counter space, and furniture to relax in while reading a book. After much sorting and weeding, the remaining collection was entered into the digital system using Dewey Decimal coding, and a scanner was added to check out material more efficiently.
Even though the role of the library has changed through the years “Libraries still remain the Heart” of their communities!
