The Poplar Bluff Municipal Library on Sunday celebrated the dedication of the Dr. Gus T. Ridgel Branch Library, located on Kanell Boulevard.
A near capacity audience attended the ceremony to honor one of Poplar Bluff’s distinguished native sons.
Ridgel graduated at the age of 16 from Wheatley School as valedictorian. He was one of nine African-Americans to attend graduate school at the University of Missouri in 1950, completing his two-year degree in one year.
Ridgel had a prestigious career in education, serving at several universities and retiring from Kentucky State University in 1996. Throughout his life, he served as a mentor to many and a leader in desegregation and civil rights.
Speakers at the dedication included Rep. Hardy Billington, who presented a House of Representatives resolution, and Mayor Steve Davis, who presented a City of Poplar Bluff resolution.
Close friends, Joe Cooper and Carolyn Cooper, reminisced about how Ridgel made an impact in their early lives. A letter was read from his daughter, Betty Bolden, thanking the city for the honor of naming the new branch for her father. The letter stated, “Although his professional life was primarily in Kentucky, he never lost touch with Poplar Bluff ... I’m sure he would have got a special pleasure in recognition of his home town.”
The letter also included a $1,000 donation to the city library.
The ceremony concluded with a ribbon cutting by Joe Cooper, alongside Carolyn Cooper and Board of Trustees President Mitch Davis and a portrait unveiling that will be hung in the new facility. Attendees were invited to tour the new facility afterwards.
John Stanard, long-time board member, stated “It was long overdue. Dr. Ridgel is kind of an unknown hero in this community ... long overdue that we recognized him publicly.”
The new branch has many offerings to the public. The shelves are lined with titles from juvenile to adult, interlibrary loans from not only the branch on Main Street, but also through the Missouri Evergreen public library consortium, DVDs, computers, study rooms and hey are able to make passports. New technologies and benefits will be added to the branch library to adjust for the needs of its visitors.
The library branch is located in an area of town experiencing tremendous growth. Matthew Clanahan commented, “I am quite impressed. I’m glad they’re figuring out that different parts of town may have different needs, and I trust that they will adjust accordingly to best serve our growing town.”
Cindy McIver also commented on the convenience of the location. “Since we live off Iron Bridge Road, that branch is handy.”
The Dr. Gus T. Ridgel Library is located at 3398 Kanell Boulevard, with operating hours 1-6 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday.