Cordova library hub of vibrant community

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Cordova is a charming rivertown that has long occupied this treasured spot along the banks of the Mississippi. Many early travelers and locals took advantage of Cordova’s first library, which started as a reading room in 1876. It occupied rented rooms in Mrs. G.W. Dean’s home, which was located across the street from the present library until 1914.

In 1885, the village had four general stores, one grocery store, two drug stores, one restaurant, two black smith shops, two shoe shops, two wagon shops, one meat market, two grain buyers, two stock buyers, two lime kilns, two physicians, a surgeon and a lawyer. A wagon factory also was located where the present Cordova Public Library stands.

In 1936, the village consisted of two churches, two schools, three garages, four grocery stores, a drug store, a barber shop, a bank, a depot, a library, a post office, a lunch room, a meat market, two grain elevators, a coal business, a blacksmith shop, the Farmers Association and the M.W.A. The population was approximately 400.

The population of Cordova hasn’t changed a great deal over the years. The town retains its quaint feel, having 633 residents as of the 2000 census. In modern Cordova there are two gas stations, a post office, one church (Cordova Baptist Church) and a bed and breakfast.

The library has become one of the vibrant centers of Cordova. In 1914, the library maintained 4,000 volumes, and by 1954 that grew to 6618. It now holds an impressive 18,944 volumes including books, DVD’s, audio books music and magazines. The Cordova Library ranks 6th in the nation against libraries among towns of similar size.