Browse all items in the collection. Or visit the digital exhibit Jacinto City Branch Library.
Branch History
In the late 1940s, the Jacinto City community was placed on the HCPL bookmobile schedule, with a stop in the community every three weeks. In 1957, the citizens of Jacinto City requested a library branch, and a library board was created. The city council approved transforming the former City Hall building, and after a small renovation, the library opened on July 2, 1958.
The building held 2,600-3,000 books, and Dorothy Bowyer was hired as the librarian.
The library was immensely popular with the community. The building was expanded in 1961 to add a reading room and again in 1979 to add a public restroom and staff office. The branch depended heavily on community support, from book donations to fundraising for repairs and improvements.
In 1987, the Jacinto City Council approved a $2 million bond proposal for new city buildings, including a new library. The site for the new library, which was finally selected in 1992, came with a massive tree at the front of the lot. The groundbreaking occurred in 1993, and the library officially opened on January 9, 1994. Dorothy Bowyer, who had retired in 1989, attended the grand opening. Bowyer, who had campaigned heavily for establishing the library in the 1950s and for multiple expansions and renovations, told a local paper: "I'm really thrilled to see the city get a new library."
In 2011, an addition to the back of the building was constructed, and the interior was renovated. The building reopened on December 27, 2011.
Further Reading
Read a history of the Jacinto City branch written in 1973.
Read a list of the Five Year Goals for the branch written in 1976.
Read a history of the Jacinto City branch written in 1978.
Read a profile of the Jacinto City community compiled in 1979.
Read a history of the Jacinto City Library written in 1982.
