Centennial Celebration at Fairbanks Branch Library
**Celebrating a Century of Reading: Fairbanks Branch Library Marks 100 Years**
The Fairbanks Branch Library in Jersey Village, Texas, recently celebrated its centennial on September 24, 2022, marking a remarkable journey from humble beginnings to a beloved neighborhood institution.
The library's roots date back to 1922 when it began as a single homemade bookshelf within a local post office. Over the years, the library has grown significantly, both in terms of its collection and the services it offers.
Despite facing challenges during its early years, the community's resilience kept the library going. It continued to operate even during the Great Depression and World War II. The library's first thirty years were tough, but the community's unwavering support ensured its survival.
The centennial celebration was a day of gratitude, expressing thanks to community members, supporters, and others who have played a vital role in keeping the library a cherished part of the neighborhood. Nearly 700 people attended the event, including community leaders, longtime library patrons, supporters, current and former staff members, and Harris County Public Library administrators.
The celebration included a maker gallery, Oculus Quest virtual reality headsets, crafts activities for kids, and birthday cake. Special gifts of gratitude were given to longtime supporters, and special plaques were presented to community members as a token of appreciation.
The library's expansion has been a testament to the community's commitment to education and literacy. In 1969, the library was expanded with a new building that was approximately 5,000 square feet, about twenty times larger than its previous space. In 1987, the library received a grant from the Texas State Library and Archives Commission to renovate and expand. The library also received funds from the estate of Elfreida C. Letz for its expansion in 1989.
Today, Fairbanks Branch Library offers a variety of programs for all ages, including English classes, story times, and genealogy programs. The library now houses over 42,000 books, has public access to computers, and averages a yearly circulation of 200,000.
The library's history is deeply intertwined with the community. In 1966, the Friends of the Fairbanks Branch Library was established by Mrs. Betty Fowlkes, who sought funding for the expansion of the library. During its renovation, the Harris County Public Library Bookmobile came to provide community access to books while the building was under construction.
A new Story Walk has been installed at the park across from the Fairbanks Branch parking lot, adding to the library's commitment to promoting literacy and community engagement. As the library looks forward to the next 100 years, it continues to serve as a beacon of knowledge and community spirit in Jersey Village.
- The library's educational programs range from crafts activities for kids to genealogy programs, ensuring a variety that caters to diverse interests.
- The Fairbanks Branch Library, a home-and-garden for knowledge seekers, houses over 42,000 books and provides public access to computers.
- In the digital age, the library offers more than just books; it also accommodates lifestyle needs, providing computers for community use.
- Just as home-and-garden projects require careful planning and execution, the Fairbanks Branch Library, in its 100 years, has beautifully cultivated a landscape of learning and community spirit.
