Huffman Branch Libray, 1926-1961

Huffman Branch Libray, 1926-1961

The First Huffman Library (1926-1948)

Harris County opened a library station in the Huffman community in 1926; the library circulated 436 books in its first year.  Circulation grew over the next few years, with 1,048 books checked out in 1928, and by 1932 the branch circulated 2,538 items.  
In 1933, the library was moved into the home of Mr. and Mrs. Philip E. Karcher. Circulation of books slowly decreased during the second half of the 1930s, down to 810 items in 1939.
In 1948, the station was closed after Philip Karcher died and Mrs. Karcher moved away.
 

The Second Huffman Library (1953-1961?)

 

In September 1953, a collection of 300 books was placed in the home of Charles and Ruby Smith. Ruby Smith was appointed the librarian, and the branch circulated 383 books that year.
 
The new branch also served the children of the Huffman Elementary School, which had no library.  This access was considered extremely important to the community; the school's principal said in 1955, "I want very much to teach these children to read more. I am surprised at how little reading background they have."
 
The branch circulated 2,517 books in 1954. Circulation steadily increased over the years, with 3,654 books checked out in 1958 and 4,741 books in 1960.
 
The branch closed sometime in the early 1960s, and service was replaced with a bookmobile stop. Bookmobile service continued until 1991. In 1996, the Atascocita Branch Library opened just 5 miles away and continues to serve northeast Harris County residents to this day. 
  • Mrs. Philip E. Karcher (1933-1948)
  • Ruby Smith (1953-1961?)

 

1926 Annual Report, Harris County Public Library

1928 Annual Report, Harris County Public Library

1932 Annual Report, Harris County Public Library

1939 Annual Report, Harris County Public Library

1953 Annual Report, Harris County Public Library

1954 Annual Report, Harris County Public Library

Smith, Ruby. (1955, December 15). Library services for rural Harris County began in 1920. The Highlands Star. - Note: this article was written by Huffman librarian Ruby Smith.

1958 Annual Report, Harris County Public Library

1960 Annual Report, Harris County Public Library

Timeline of the Bookmobile Program, 1975-1999.