Two Years After Rare December Tornado, Rudd Library Still Waiting on New Home

On December 15, 2021, the Rudd Public Library was destroyed by an EF1 tornado, one of 63 twisters spawned by a derecho that swept across Iowa, a record number of tornadoes for one day in the state.

While the second anniversary of that destruction brings its own memories, Library Director Shelly Sharp says recent tornadoes in Tennessee gives her more cause for pause.

That recovery process is still not complete. While ground was broken in June to build a new library for about $800,000, Sharp says construction delays mean it could be early March 2024 before they move in.

Until then, Sharp and the Rudd community continue to play the waiting game.

For now, the library continues to operate out of Rudd City Hall.

They also continue to offer various programs during the holidays. Learn more at Rudd Public Library on Facebook.