A brief history of libraries in Kerrville

Children at the newly opened Butt-Holdsworth Memorial Library, around 1967.
I recognize a few of these youngsters; I went to school with them, and was their age.
Click on any image to enlarge

This weekend the Butt-Holdsworth Memorial Library celebrates the 50th anniversary of the dedication of the library, which took place on August 26, 1967.
A kind friend gave me a copy of the library's dedication program, and from that treasure I learned the following history of libraries in Kerrville:

Westminster Presbyterian Encampment, Kerrville

Though Kerr County had its beginning in 1856 (and Kerrville in 1889), the first library wasn't organized until 1931. The Fine Arts League had an auxiliary organization, the Literary Club; its main purpose was to establish a library.
When the League disbanded during the Great Depression, the Literary Club shared its meager resources and "began an struggle for a building that was to take many years to achieve."
The Texas Presbyterian College house at Westminster Encampment, which was on the side of the Schreiner Institute campus closest to town, became the first library. "Despite the depression a book shower the first year provided nine books and small donations."

The Schreiner Mansion photographed
during the time
it served as the library

Books were loaned at "3 cents per day with a charge for overtime added to the revenue." Due to club activities membership in the club grew, and the holdings in the library gradually increased.
"With the donation of 390 books in 1939, the library was forced to move its 1300 books into two rooms of the Capt. Schreiner home." By 1941 membership was opened to the public at $1.00 per year. Around that time the Kerrville Library Association was formed.
In 1954 the library became a free library, meaning its resources were available to everyone. By the county's centennial (1956), the Kerr County Public Library circulated 23,837 books.

Memorial Library, Kerrville

Around 1958 a former church building on the corner of Water and Rodriguez streets was purchased, and, for the first time, the library owned its own building.
In 1961 a bookmobile service was provided to Bandera, Gillespie, Kendall, and Kerr Counties, a demonstration project of the Texas State Library Service; it was discontinued after one year due to a lack of funds.

Moving day for the books

By 1965, "the library again faced expansion and the addition of a new wing was scheduled." Contributions came in -- around $7,000 -- even before the fund drive was announced.
I'm not sure how the Butt family became involved, but they did, and in a grand way. By the summer of 1967 the new library was complete.

Parking, BHML

The dedication ceremony really pulled out the stops. Lady Bird Johnson, who was then first lady, came and gave the dedicatory address. Bands played, local officials spoke, anthems were sung, and prayers were offered. And, when the dust settled, Kerr County had a library, one of the best in the state.
For me it was a wonderful event; 4 days after my 6th birthday and the weekend before I started first grade (at Starkey Elementary) this family I'd never heard of -- the Butt family -- built a library, it seemed, just for me.

Butt-Holdsworth Memorial Library

Because no intersections separated the new library from the print shop I was free to walk there any time. In fact, to get me out of the print shop, I'm sure I was encouraged to walk down to the library.
And walk there I did. Often. I loved the new library.
I'm thankful to the hundreds of families, individuals, and companies who've made the dream of a great library a reality. I look forward to the library meeting the needs of the community for many years to come.
Until next week, all the best.

Joe Herring Jr. is a Kerrville native who still has his very first library card. Well, of course he does. He never throws anything away. This column appeared in the Kerrville Daily Times August 26, 2017.

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