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Harris County Public Library company history timeline

1921

From July through December in 1921, the first year of the library’s existence, the librarians established twenty-six library “stations” throughout the county in schools, businesses, and private homes.

Founded almost a century ago, the Harris County Public Library began in 1921 by providing books and library services to the rural communities and schools of Harris County.

1922

1922 Harris County Library System opened a library station in Pasadena with about 100 books.

1925

Ross Sterling financed the first permanent library building in Goose Creek (modern-day Baytown) in 1925.

In 1925, money was found to purchase an Essex Coach, a vehicle with a roof, which greatly improved the comfort of the librarians traveling throughout the county.

1928

La Porte and Fairbanks had dedicated buildings funded by their communities by the end of 1928.

1929

1929 Bond approved for new fire station, city hall & library building.

1937

By August 1937, a new bookmobile vehicle built by Stewart & Stevenson was in service and was immediately successful.

1941

1941 Library temporarily moved to Ola Mae Kennedy house on West Broadway.

1946

1946 Library moved from Ola Mae Kennedy house to Pasadena’s school district office.

1953

Opened March 2, 1953 - It was a one story building of modern design, located on Tater Street (today Pasadena Blvd.) between Thomas & Harris Street.

1953 Shell Oil Company built and donated to the city its first free standing library.

1979

1979 Began offering free tax help.

1987

1987 Began checking out videos.

1989

1989 Began circulating compact discs.

1993

Sources: Pomeroy, C. D. (1993). Pasadena: The early years.

2000

2000 Received Gates Foundation grant.

2004

2004 Began renovation of Central Library with foundation repairs.

2006

2006 Received Brown Foundation grant for $250,000; Received Houston Endowment grant for $500,000.

2022

University of North Texas Libraries. https://texashistory.unt.edu/explore/partners/HCPL/ accessed July 11, 2022.

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1921
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