As fall settles in, Texans of all ages are left with the fading memories of sun-drenched Texas days, star-filled Lone Star nights, and a longing for the out-of-the-ordinary occurrences that seem to pair so well with the lazy, hazy days of summer. The fun and discovery doesn’t have to stop when the days start getting shorter, though — your library card is the key to jumpstarting your next great adventure.
The Texas Library Association and the Texas State Library and Archives Commission have compiled a list of six dynamic West Texas libraries — from one of the smallest public libraries in the state to an academic/research library nestled in the McDonald Observatory — that invite Texans to check out the powerful programming, rich resources and creative communities popping up at libraries across the region.
SAN ANGELO
STEAM Central at Tom Green County Library
The Tom Green County Library recently received a $75,000 grant from the Institute of Museum and Library Services, awarded by the Texas State Library and Archives Commission. Funds from this grant fueled
the creativity behind STEAM Central, a state-of-the-art maker space located in the basement of the Stephens Central Library. (Visitors are sure to be wowed by the Central Library’s new home in a creatively renovated downtown department store!) Library staff partner with local organizations, area colleges and invested advocates to bring innovative programming and projects to this hub of community connection.
MIDLAND
Midland Public Library knitting and adult coloring groups
Midland Public Library has been praised for its vision of what a library of the future can offer. Cutting-edge technology plugged into an engaging environment space offers libraries across Texas (and nationally) an example of the library as an exciting destination that supports civic engagement, economic development and lifelong learning and discovery. For those looking to unplug, Midland Public Library also offers a variety of ways community members can sync up through once old/now modern pastimes, including a knitting group and adult coloring sessions. These close-knit and colorful cliques provide a welcome repose from the stresses of a screen- filled, Wi-Fi world and offer patrons a chance to truly connect — no password required.
FORT DAVIS
University of Texas McDonald Observatory Library
This specialized library located in the base of the Otto Struve dome, home of the 82-inch telescope perched high over Fort Davis, serves primarily the staff of the observatory, visiting astronomers and members of the Department of Astronomy at the University of Texas. Stargazing students and select researchers have access to a variety of print and online resources focused mainly on astronomy and related fields. Highlights from the collection include hand-drawn maps of constellations, planets and other celestial celebrities, and historic images from the construction of the observatory that are truly out of this world.
MARATHON
Marathon Public Library
Nestled in one of the last outposts on the edge of Big Bend country is a small library with some big ideas. Library director Elizabeth Holt oversees the carefully curated collection at this cozy 720-square-foot branch. In addition to the onsite physical collection of books, magazines and other circulating items (including a set of cake pans patrons can borrow to bake their next mouth-watering masterpiece), patrons also have access to more than 80,000 e-books. Somehow Holt finds the space to host tinkering workshops, local history nights, book clubs, 3D printing sessions, yoga classes and more in the friendly confines of her pint-sized public library. As a bonus, Marathon Public Library is smack-dab in the middle of one of the darkest and starriest skies in the nation. When the sun goes down, Holt enlists the help of local astronomy buffs to set up telescopes for hands-on training in astrophotography as they party with the planets.
EL PASO
El Paso Public Library
Out in the westernmost Texas town of El Paso, green-thumbed patrons can get back to their literal roots. Seed libraries are places that share or lend plant seeds. Urban farmers can “check out” seeds to grow themselves, and return the loan with seeds to the library once they’ve harvested the fruits (and vegetables) of their labor to share with others. The program provides an alternative to genetically modified seeds, increases biodiversity and plant resilience, and reconnects El Paso residents with their food systems. The library offers classes and partners with the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension El Paso Master Gardeners to share best practices and time-tested tricks.
EL PASO
University of Texas at El Paso image collections
The University of Texas at El Paso provides innovative services, programs and resources that support the school’s mission of education, research, scholarship and community service. The library is home to a range of print and electronic information resources that meet the unique needs of its users in the multicultural university and the U.S.–Mexico border communities. For instance, the C. L. Sonnichsen Special Collections Department includes the Chicano Collection, the Judaica Collection, the S. L. A. Marshall Military History Collection and the Southwest and Border Studies Collection, as well as collections of art and rare books. These spectacularly unusual collections help paint a colorful depiction of the people that call the El Paso region home.
No matter what region of the state you’re visiting, most of Texas’ public, university and specialized libraries welcome travelers as well as registered patrons. And they’re great resources for local culture and history. Stop in to read up, power up and soak up the heritage of these vitally important institutions along your journey.
