A Rockwall teacher, Beuna
Eaves Martin, started the Library with the help of other
teachers and friends. On May 5, 1945, the Rockwall
County Library was officially established in one room of
the County Courthouse. In 1978 the Library was moved to
a 2,840 square foot facility, on the corner of
Washington and Fannin Streets. In 1991 the Library moved
to the 7000 square foot first floor of the renovated
post office at 105 S. First Street. Expansion to the
second floor occurred in 2003 giving the library a total
of 10,000 square feet.
In 2000 voters approved
the use of bonds to purchase land for a new Library
facility, and in November 2004 the citizens of the
County passed a bond issue to build a 52,000 square foot
library. The Ground Breaking Ceremony was on Tuesday,
November 14, 2006. The new facility opened on September
8, 2008.
While the bond election provided $11.5
million for construction and some basic furniture and
fixtures, the Capital Campaign was formed to raise money
for all of the other items that make a building a true
Library. With a goal of $500,000 the Campaign officially
closed December 31, 2008 having raised more than
$440,000 through the generous contributions of the
Rockwall County citizens, local businesses, and grants
and awards from supporters outside Rockwall County. The
names of individual and organization donors are
remembered as a part of the Honorary Committee Plaque
and the Giving Tree, both located in the foyer of the
Library. Larger donations are acknowledged in the naming
of various rooms.
