A Brief History of the Bastrop Public Library

In 1852, the Ladies Magazine Club (later the Ladies Reading Circle) solicited and donated over 1,000 books to establish the first Bastrop Library. It served the needs of the public for forty-eight years until the Bastrop Public library was established.

In the spring of 1900, Mr. Andrew Carnegie offered the city a donation to erect a library building with the understanding that the city would provide money for support and maintenance.  Unfortunately, the two parties never reached an agreement and over the years the library moved several times.  In 1938, the books were given to the Civilian Conservation Corps camp and Bastrop lost its library. 

In 1962, the Jaycettes (a women's organization) took up the cause and worked in conjunction with the Bastrop City Council to establish the Belle Moore Jones Memorial Library.  A new building was opened with a collection of 3,000 books, and a full-time librarian in 1971.  As the library's popularity increased and the city continued to grow, the City Council passed a resolution on March 29, 1974 to assume full responsibility for operation and maintenance of the Bastrop Public Library.  The library and the city continued to thrive and by the mid-1980s, it was determined a new library building was needed.  The library accepted a grant of $100,000 and the City Council agreed to provide matching funds for the grant and property for the new building.  In October of 1989, a 6,000 square foot building was opened at the current location of 1100 Church Street.

By 2001, the library was circulating 140,000 items with an average of 79,000 people visiting and using the library each year.  The existing building was being stretched to its maximum usage.  A bond for improvements and an addition was passed, ground was broken, and the expansion project and renovations were completed in September 2006.

The Bastrop Public Library is a vibrant and active community space.  The 19,000 square foot building houses a collection of over 50,000 items including books, audio books, DVDs, magazines, and even cake pans.  The dedicated staff strive to provide excellent service to the community and continue to look for ways to make the library relevant for all citizens.

Bastrop Public Library Mission Statement

The mission of the Bastrop Public Library is to enhance people's lives by providing services and access to resources in a safe and welcoming environment.