Little Dixie Regional Libraries
🏢 Little Dixie Regional Libraries · Moberly, Missouri
Little Dixie Regional Libraries
Little Dixie Regional Libraries anchors Randolph County from a Carnegie building constructed in 1903 — designed by local architect Ludwig Abt after Moberly's citizens raised $2,000 to match Carnegie's $20,000 grant — and has served north-central Missouri from the same 111 N. Fourth Street address for over 120 years.
🕑 Library Hours
| Monday | 9am–8pm |
| Tuesday | 9am–8pm |
| Wednesday | 9am–6pm |
| Thursday | 9am–8pm |
| Friday | 9am–6pm |
| Saturday | 9am–4pm |
| Sunday | Closed |
Hours may vary on holidays; check the library site before visiting.
📍 Location, Contact & Directions
Address: 111 N Fourth St, Moberly, MO 65270
Phone: (660) 263-4426
Website: little-dixie.lib.mo.us
Plus Code: 86F9CH95+MV (Moberly, MO)
📱 Scan for directions
Point your phone camera at the code to open turn-by-turn directions in Google Maps.
👋 Use the Library Online
📖 About Little Dixie Regional Libraries
The Moberly library's origin story dates to 1872, when a local group formed the Moberly Library Association, but the effort lapsed within three years for lack of sustainable funding. The revival came on April 2, 1901, when Moberly voters overwhelmingly approved a library tax; the first librarian, Mrs. Bessie Lee, began work that August. In January 1902, citizens sent a letter to Andrew Carnegie requesting building funds, and Carnegie responded that if the city would commit $1,500, he would contribute $15,000 — ultimately the community gave $2,000 and Carnegie donated $20,000. Local architect Ludwig Abt designed the Carnegie Library to Carnegie's classical specifications, and it opened in 1903. The library joined the Little Dixie Regional Library system in 1967, which now spans Randolph and Monroe Counties with four branches. In 1994 the Moberly building was renovated and nearly doubled in size, and today its collection numbers approximately 165,000 items with annual circulation of 174,547. The library participates in Missouri Evergreen, connecting patrons to public libraries statewide, and offers a dedicated genealogy collection and a full slate of children's, teen, and adult programming.
⭐ What makes this library special
- 1903 Carnegie building designed by local architect Ludwig Abt — one of 22 surviving Carnegie library structures in Missouri — open continuously at 111 N. Fourth Street for over 120 years
- Moberly library tax approved April 2, 1901 after the first library association (1872) lapsed; first librarian Mrs. Bessie Lee hired August 1901
- Four-branch regional system serving Randolph & Monroe Counties since the 1967 merger; Moberly main branch renovated and expanded in 1994
- Collection of approximately 165,000 items with 174,547 annual circulations; statewide access through Missouri Evergreen resource-sharing consortium
- Dedicated genealogy department and reference room for researching Randolph County and Missouri family history
📱 Digital Resources — Free with Your Library Card
Little Dixie cardholders can borrow and research free through Missouri's statewide digital collections:
📚 Services
- Free library card for Randolph & Monroe County residents
- Four locations: Moberly (main), Huntsville Branch, Paris Branch, and one additional branch
- Free public Wi-Fi and public computers
- Printing, copying & scanning
- Genealogy and reference department
- Children's department with dedicated programming
- Interlibrary loan through Missouri Evergreen statewide network
- Meeting and program rooms
🎸 Programs
- Story time for children and early literacy programs
- Youth summer reading program (Summer Reading 2026 active)
- Teen Zone activities and events
- Adult Crafty Crew and maker programs
- Genealogy workshops and research assistance
- Community book discussions and author events
📍 Nearby Libraries in North-Central Missouri
Distances are approximate straight-line miles from this library.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
How did Moberly get its Carnegie library, and when did it open?
After a first library association (1872) failed within a few years, Moberly voters approved a library tax on April 2, 1901. The following January, citizens wrote to Andrew Carnegie for building funds; Carnegie agreed to donate $15,000 if the city committed $1,500 — ultimately the community gave $2,000 and Carnegie contributed $20,000. Local architect Ludwig Abt designed the classical Carnegie building, which opened in 1903 and remains one of 22 surviving Carnegie library buildings in Missouri.
What counties and towns does Little Dixie Regional Libraries serve?
The system serves Randolph and Monroe Counties in north-central Missouri. The four branches are: Moberly Main Library (111 N. Fourth St), Huntsville Branch (Randolph County), Paris Branch (Monroe County), and an additional branch location. Moberly joined the regional system in 1967.
Does Little Dixie have genealogy resources?
Yes — the Moberly Main Library has a dedicated genealogy department and reference room useful for researching Randolph County family history, local records, and Missouri ancestry. Staff are available to assist with genealogy research questions.
Can I borrow items from other Missouri libraries with a Little Dixie card?
Yes. Little Dixie Regional Libraries participates in Missouri Evergreen, a statewide resource-sharing consortium. With your free library card you can search the catalogs of over 150 Missouri public libraries and request items for delivery to your home branch in Moberly — at no charge.
📜 This library has genealogy & local-history resources. See how library family-history research works and find other libraries with genealogy collections genealogy libraries by state.
🖨 This library offers printing, copying & fax. See how library printing, copying, scanning and fax services work — costs and mobile printing — and find other libraries that offer them printing & fax by state.
✎ Notice something out of date? Suggest a correction and we’ll verify and update it.