COUNTY LIFE
Bowie Library’s roots reach back to 1920
Operation book move 1967
By BARBARA GREEN
The Bowie Public Library has deep roots in the community going back to 1920 when members of The Thursday Club asked to use part of the two-story Boedeker building on Smythe Street.
The Bowie Chamber of Commerce had opened offices in the building’s second floor. Through bake sales, plays and other fundraisers, the club was able to buy books and supplies for the new library.
Dues for using the library were $1 per year, and it was only open from 2:30 to 4:30 p.m. on Saturday afternoons. Each person was allowed to check out two adult books and one child’s book per week. The fine for an overdue book was 10 cents per week.
This was just the beginning of a library that has evolved to meet the needs of its patrons through the years, thanks to the support from its community.
Pictured: In April 1967 a building at 107 E. Wise was leased for the library. On April 10 “Operation Book Move,” saw 128 young people and 29 leaders form a line that stretched from the basement of the city auditorium, down the alley to the new East Wise Street library location. (Bowie Centennial Book photo)
Read the full feature on the library and learn about its history in the May 18 Bowie News.
Local libraries wrap up their children’s summer reading programs this week.
The Bowie Public Library brings the popular Creature Teacher with all their spectacular animals for the final event on July 23 at the Bowie Community Center.
The program begins at 10 am. The children also will receive their prize books for their summer logs.
The Nocona Public Library ends its program at 10 a.m. on July 24 at the H.J. Justin Building at 100 Clay Street. The program will be “Our Own Action Heroes -” Nocona fire, police and EMTs.
Top photo – Smokey Bear visiting Bowie last week at summer reading.
Rachel and Roger Whitaker gave this metal storage container a fresh look with this colorful mural at the Bowie Animal Shelter. (Photo by Barbara Green)
Swim lessons for youngsters of all ages were conducted the past two weeks at the city pool. It was a good place to be during this summer heat. See more photos in the weekend News. (Photos by Barbara Green)
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