HISTORY

The Leander city council in March 1987 asked Blanche and Curtis Corley to organize a group of citizens to start the Leander Public Library. The Leander Public Library was established June 15, 1987 as a non-profit corporation. A contract for ten years was negotiated with the City of Leander and signed July 1, 1987. The library opened June 27th at the old Leander High School in one room leased from the Leander Independent School District.

On November 16, 1989, with major assistance from the Lola Wright Foundation, contributions from the community and much donated labor, the library was able to move into a renovated metal building that was donated to the city by Preston Carlton. The library continued to be run with all volunteer help until early 1993. Since 1993, paid staff has augmented the volunteers, who continue to provide assistance.

In May of 2004 the citizens of Leander passed a bond issue for the building of a new Leander Public Library. Christine Mason donated the old Mason Homestead and the City of Leander purchased additional acres for the new library. Construction on the new library began in December 2005 with design by Moman Architects and Zapalac/Reed as the general contractor.


FRIENDS OF THE LIBRARY

The Friends of the Library have played an important role since the initial planning for a library. Their dedicated support has enriched the library in many ways.

Currently, the Friends are responsible for the book-sales that the library holds. In 2003, the Friends not only held the book-sale as part of the Fall Festival, they provided activities and entertainment for the children who attended with their parents. Also, for the City's Christmas Parade, they decorated and drove a festive float -- which was enthusiastically cheered by folks. Most recently, they spent many hours assisting with the library bond proposal which was part of the bond election held May 15, 2004. They designed book marks and door hangers which were distributed in the neighborhoods. Their hard work contributed to the 69.8% favorable vote for a new library building.