Monowi, Nebraska: population of 1, and a 5,000 book library

The town of Monowi, Nebraska has only one resident. It also has a 5,000 book library. Elsie Eiler is the last person living in Monowi. The next to last resident was her late husband Rudy who loved books. When Rudy died of cancer, Elsie made his book collection into a community library.

Rudy’s Library in Monowi, Nebraska (LA Times photo)
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The one room library has a bare plywood floor and there is no heat. What it does have is about 5,000 books. “Rudy's Library is less than 350 square feet. The books are worn, disorganized and eclectic beyond description…it's impossible not to linger.”

Elsie runs a tavern with a lunch counter. She tells people who come in for an egg sandwich, “go up and take a look.” The library runs on the honor system: Take what you want, return it when you can.

Elsie Eiler in Rudy’s Library (LA Times photo)
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The population of Monowi has always been less than 150 and no larger in physical size than three blocks by four blocks. In 1971, the population was down to 22. The town of Monowi is located about 100 miles west of Sioux City on route 12. Full story can be found here.

Comments

[Mary Bartling Schuett]

My mom from Creighton, Nebraska attended the Larry The Cable Guy party yesterday at Monowi and said there were about 1,200 people there. She had a wonderful time and enjoyed the entire day. Thanks to those who organized this event.

[Sheila]

What is the nearest town to you?

[Brian G. Davis]

I am very interested in finding out more about Monowi. I would actually like to know about land for sale in the town. I would be intersted in possibly moving there. I have 3 kids and my wife is a school teacher. We currently live in Tn. Please Could someone please let me know if there is land for sale in Monowi.

[English Teacher, Poland]

I was just preparing my English lessons, when I encountered the coursebook article about Monowi. It sounded so charming, that I decided to find out something more on the net. It's both wonderful and scary for me.. but I like it. Especially the idea of borrowing the books:) The students will just treat it as another compulsory text with answers to be done... until I realize them :) Take care

[Joanne Thompson]

I would love to visit your town. Are there other buildings/homes/stores etc that are still there? Could you let me know? Send to e address Thanks

[Alyssa Marie]

I've got to say, my hole life I've wanted to live in a very small town so I could help fix it up and make it a more recognizable place, and finding this website just made my chance's come a little more easier. I aslo have to say job well down Elsie and Rudy for keep your spirits high and believing in your town, your amazing people. God Bless You.

[Patti Schumacher]

Wish I was there...... My husband and I are hoping to get out there sometime soon..... We both grew up in the 50's in small rural towns....we would love to have the same for our grandson..... Elsie, I also have many books and would love to send them out if you could use them.....we are down sizing.... and it would be a nice home for all the books I've read and loved..... Have a blessed day.... patti schumacher

[Tim & Anna]

SEE YA NEXT WEEK ELSIE. SAVE A WIDE SPOT IN THE ROAD FOR US. t&a

[BRUCE GENSER]

I WANT TO THANK ALL OF YOU WITH YOUR COMMENTS ON Monowi, NE. I ONCE LIVED IN MONOWI, NE. AFTER HIGH SCHOOL (1969) I DEPART MONOWI AND ENTIRE THE ARMY AND REMAIN IN THE ARMY UNTIL 1992. THIS TOWN HAS BEEN A PART OF ME AND WILL REMAIN A PART OF ME. MY MOTHER AND FATHER LIVED ON A FARM CLOSE TO MONOWI UNTIL THERE DEATH IN 1992 AND 1993. MONOWI, NE IS MY HOME TOWN. THIS TOWN WAS THE PLACE OF CHILDHOOD. I WANT TO THANK YOU Elsie FOR A GOOD JOB. Thank you, BRUCE GENSER

[Pete M]

I loved the story on CBS "Sunday Morning" yesterday. I think it's nice/funny that there a lot of likeminded people out there who would like to buy real estate in the area of Monowi. It looked quite lovely with the rolling hills. I am sure the winters are quite so nice though!

[Jonathan Ames]

Sorry about the last posting to Adam or whomever knows how to contact Elise in which I mistyped my own e-mail address. It's [email protected] My wife and I are retiring this year so anyone knowing how to get a hold of Elise or Adam or I believe her son's name is Jim, I'd appreciate some help. This would be a perfect place for us to invest in for our retirement if it means keeping the town alive through her son and other family members.

[Barbara Driggers]

Dear Elsie, I am one of your biggest fans. Would give my eye teeth to be able to live as you do. I am 72 y.o. and raising my GrandDaughter. She will graduate High School in 2 years. Maybe then I can visit, I as others also want to know if there is any land for sale. Sounds like a little piece of heaven. Please have your Grandson contact me. Thanks and Blessings upon you.

[Jim]

Nice Story on the Town, But their are many towns just like this one in Nebraska. I would have to say one that is just as remote and Not far from a Great Lake would be Arthur Ne. Plus it is in the Sandhills of Nebraska, It is so Quiet and Peace full. You can discover many towns in Nebraska but just don't take the main HWY's and you will find them.

[Honor Spitz]

Elsie, would you like a few more books to add to your amazing collection? I read a lot of paperback novels(mostly mysteries) and would love to bundle them up and pass them along to you if you have room for more. Let me know, Honor Spitz Mtn. View, CA.

[KIM GAUMAN]

I JUST WATCHED CBS SUNDAY MORNING IWILL BE TURNING 50 THIS YEAR IAM SEMI RETIRING IN A FEW YEARS HAVE A PIZZA PLACE IN SMALL MOUNTAIN TOWN IN AZ EVER THINK ABOUT A PART TIME PIZZA-SUB-PASTA PLACE IN SMALL TOWN AREA WILL VISIT YOU ALL IN FUTURE PIZZA KIM

[ms J.]

Would like to know if Elsie would like any help in her diner..vacation relief. Am looking for a place to escape the rat race and need peace and quiet. Any land for sale? Just want one acre to put small home on. I am a genealogist and would like to research and record the historyf this wonderful little piece of Americana.

[Sheryl]

Love small towns this is the best yet. How does one find a realtor to buy real estate there, and what is the price of real estate. I don't like a lot of people around all the time this sounds like "no place like home".

[Jonathan Ames]

Adam; You forgot to provide your e-mail. Or, if you'd prefer not to provide it, would you please contact us, my wife and me, at [email protected] Thank you Jonathan

[Jonathan Ames]

Adam; You forgot to provide your e-mail. Or, if you'd prefer not to provide it, would you please contact us, my wife and me, at [email protected] Thank you Jonathan

[kja]

I saw a piece about Monowi NB on channel 2 tv show with 'Charles Osgood', Los Angeles CA . What an extraordinary lady the towns keeper Elsie is. God bless her for keeping the past alive and beleiving in her town. The world needs more like her!

[Chas]

Dear Elsie,My wife and I would love to know more about moving to your lovely town,are there any homes for sale?

[Brigitte Prescher]

What a Lady !!! :) love your story ! Want to come and have Lunch with you and get to spend a little time at your beauty full suroundings. Seh you soon. I am a German Granny and retired. bye

[Carlton and Asela McCall]

Great story about a little town that is surviving all the rush. May God richly bless you always.

[edward giroux]

The news story about Monowi, Nebraska was shown as a re-run again on national TV today (Sunday 08/12/07. I give Elsie a lot of credit for her perserverance. I know it has been asked but I have not found a response, is there land for sale in Monowi and if so who is the contact? I'm close to retirement and looking for a place that is quiet, peaceful and the people that do inhabit the land are original and not trying to impress, like is so common in today's society. Thank You, Ned

[TONY TOMASELLI]

saw the story on cbs sunday morning...would have never guessed there are places like this still left in america...way to go elsie...keep on keeping on!!!