Who We Are

Blanco Library History:

The Blanco Library was founded by the Blanco Woman's Club in 1938 and has been continuously maintained by the Club. It opened inside Fulcher's Drug Store (now Strickland's Drug Store) with 200 books and an reading table. For 47 years the Blanco Library received no public funds - Its only support came from private donations, memorials and a per capita assessment from the membership of the Blanco Woman's Club plus fundraisers such as back and book sales. The ladies auxiliary of the Fraternal Order o fht Eagles made several grants for the purchase of large print books.

After a series of moves, in 1988 the Library was able to purchase 310 Pecan Street on the square due to a legacy from James A. Williams. At that time, it was re0named the James A and Evelyn Williams Memorial Library. This was later expanded and the purchase of the adjacent building.

In 1976, the Woman’s Club incorporated the library as a non-profit - a 501(c)(3) corporation - so that donations are tax deductible. The articles of Incorporation were filed April 27, 1976 with the State of Texas.

The library was given the property at 1118 Main, which had been a restaurant. After a fundraising effort from members, the local community and some foundations, the restaurant building was expanded to a 3,800 square foot building. The proceeds from the building on the square were also used toward construction. The grand opening at the new location was April 2000. The librarian, Sandra Paine, was still a volunteer (she received $1 a year in salary which was donated back to the Library.)

When Texas passed laws allowing for Library Districts, an election was held to form Blanco County South Library District: Precincts 1 and 4 in Blanco County, excluding the City of Blanco. The law allows one half of one percent of sales tax in this District to be used for operation of the Library. In February, 2002, Blanco Library, Inc. transferred operation of the Library to the District. Blanco County ceased their contributions, although the city still contributes some moneys to the District for operation. Taxes collected are not enough to operate the Library to this day. Occasionally, they obtain grants for specific projects such as expanding the number of computer or for special programs. There is a paid Librarian, an Assistant Librarian, and a few part-time library aides. Staffing is still mainly by volunteers, about 35 or so of them.

The Friends of the Library raise money to support the library through memberships and other activities. The money purchases the books for the library, provides periodical subscriptions and programs as well as helps funds a variety of special events and needs.

Blanco Library Inc. still maintains the Library through funding from the dues of members of the Blanco Woman's Club, their annual Silver Tea, private grants and donation and generous contribution.

Inc. Board members contribute their time as do members of the Boards of the Blanco Library District and the Friends of the Library.

To serve the needs of the growing population and increasing use of the Library, we began planning for the future. Land has been purchased for a new building and plans drawn. We are currently raising funds form foundations and donors.

The Blanco Library was established in 1938 by the Blanco Woman's Club. It remained a private corporation sponsored by the club until February 2002 when, while still under sponsorship of the Club, it was formed into a Library District. As always, it continues to serve the City of Blanco and the surrounding community. Blanco is a farming, ranching, tourist area north of San Antonio and west of Austin in the lovely Texas Hill Country on the beautiful Blanco River.

The library serves a population of 4,500 people in the south half of Blanco County and additionally serves surrounding communities of Spring Branch, Kendalia, and Henly. The Library acquired a 6,900 square foot building through bequests, grants, and private donations.

Facilities include a large general collection area, areas for children and youth, a genealogy room, computer areas for both children and adults, and a spacious public meeting room with kitchenette. The Blanco Library strives to provide library materials and services to support the informational, educational, and recreational needs of the Blanco citizens and community.

About the Collection:

We have a collection of over 26,000 materials, including best sellers, a large selection of children's books, videos, audio books, and more. 

Visit our rare Texana Collection, Genealogy books and documents, old Blanco newspapers, and the classic South Western Journals collection. Also you can access Resource Libraries of Texas, the USA, and the World by using our Internet computers!