By Jan Redmond

The Blanco Library, located at 1118 Main St., has come a long way from its humble beginning in 1938 when it opened in Fulcher’s Drug Store with two hundred books and a reading table. After several more moves, it is now a 6,320 square foot facility serving over 4,000 patrons. Forty volunteers, a Director of Library Services and an Assistant make up the staff. Due to a need for growth, both in physical space and services provided, land has been purchased and an architectural firm acquired to begin the process of building a new library. So, once again, the Library will be on the move.

All About the Blanco Library

Twenty computers and wireless service are available to the public and travelers passing through, along with a large collection of books, audio books, CDs, videos, DVDs and genealogy information.

A six-week Summer Reading Program provides incentives and special programs for children as well as an ongoing story time for pre-schoolers. The Library sponsors an annual One Book One Community Project whereby the entire community reads and discusses the same book; bringing the community together in a valuable, shared experience. Listening is an Act of Love by Dave Isay, the 2008 selection, ties together individual stories of Blanco citizens, Blanco County’s Sesquicentennial Celebration, and the Library’s Oral History Project.

An active Friends of the Library organization sponsors book sales, book signings, the Brown Bag Lunch series, “Read To Me” , in cooperation with Drs. Weaver and Black and the annual Texas Authors Day Celebration and Dinner and a Movie-all to benefit the Library.

Art and Drama lessons, Master Gardeners, Cat Coalition, Film Society, meetings of state representatives with constituents and two Book Clubs, are only a few of the community groups who use the Library as a meeting place. Art displays and educational exhibits are often on display.

Visit www.blancolib.org or call 830-833-4280 for more information. The Blanco Library is located at 1118 Main St. (US Highway 281 North). The building is on the east side of the highway, between 11th and 12th streets with the flag flying in front. Parking lots are available on 12th Street and behind the Library. The entrance is on 12th Street.

The Library is open Mondays 9 AM-noon, and 6 PM-8 PM; Tuesday 9 AM-noon; Wednesday 9 AM-8 PM; Thursday 9 AM-noon, and 6 PM-8 PM; Friday 9 AM-8 PM; Saturday 9 AM-3 PM; and Sunday 2 PM-5 PM. Come and see us – you’ll probably meet your neighbor or make a new friend!