HISTORY OF THE

ROCKWALL COUNTY LIBRARY

 Initially 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, formerly the Church of Christ, 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 dream of having a building specifically constructed to be a library will finally be achieved in mid 2008.  This new County Library will be located on land at the corners of East I-30 and Townsend and Yellow Jacket.

 A Library Building Committee and an Associate Committee were formed to visit other libraries for ideas, review the library building program, recommend an architect to the County Commissioners, consult with the chosen architect, PSA-Dewberry, Inc. and Pogue Construction, concerning the new library, and, plan and organize the Ribbon Cutting Ceremony.  The Library Building Committee: Carolyn Duckworth, Barbara Coleson, Jerry McCulley, Marcia Gilbert, Darlene Bealmear, Mary Ellis, Commissioner David Magness, and  Kathy Melston, Library Director.  The Associate Committee: Kathleen Broze, Marvis Kisselburgh, Stephanie Canon, Tom and Charlene Norris, Nancy Rothacker, Christie Watts, Jenny Palmer, Jannie Clark, Doreen Miller, Leigh Plagens, Marcine McCulley, Jan Moltzan, Linda Garrett, Nell Welborn, Mary Hanrahan, Lucille Bell, David Bridges and Jan Self.

 The Ground Breaking Ceremony will be on Tuesday, November 14, 2006.  Actual construction should begin in the spring of 2007.  Scheduled completion will be late part of summer 2008.

HISTORY OF FRIENDS

“LUNCH BASKET”

The Friends of the Library organized the “Lunch Basket” in July 1975 as a fund raising project.  It was held the second Tuesday of every month at the Presbyterian Church on the town square.  Over the years, “Lunch Basket” has moved several times and currently is held only in October, December, and April.

 The Lunch Basket has many purposes: 

·         to involve the community in working for library advancement in Rockwall County

·         to keep library development needs before the public

·         to raise funds for financial support of the Library.

 Initially, the Lunch Basket was prepared by other local clubs and organizations. Later, a FOL member organized a great crew who faithfully prepared and served the food.  In recent years, the food has been prepared by a local caterer, with local businesses underwriting the cost. Desserts continue to be furnished by the Rockwall Women’s League. Volunteers decked out in “Friends” aprons still serve the food to those enjoying the occasion.   In 2003, the “Holiday Tables Lunch Basket” was initiated.  By popular demand, 2006 marks the fourth year of the event which is co-sponsored by the Rockwall Parks and Recreation Department.