Friends of the Library Organizes

In 1981, the only library service available in Pflugerville was for children through the local schools, and there was nothing for adults.  A group of local residents in the area got together to make a local library service happen.

Finding a Space, Raising Funds

Through a series of bake sales, garage sales, chili suppers and other activities, the incipient Friends secured money to rent a space and fill it with books. Volunteers assembled and managed the collection. With electricity but no air conditioning, heating, water or bathroom, the first library space was sparse but affordable: $50 per month initially and later $1 per year. Early commercial support for the Friends of the Library came from First State Bank of Pflugerville and John Pfluger.

The library’s first professional librarian, Helen Klenz, was hired for 20 hours per week. Eventually Helen Klenz moved on, to be replaced by JoAnne Thornton. Ms. Thornton later became the first library department head when management was taken over by the City of Pflugerville, and the author of the official history of the library, “A Dream Come True”.

Pflugerville and the Library Grow Together

The Friends continued to support the library with the opening of a thrift shop called The Library Shop and created a variety of other fund-raising opportunities.

Land Purchase, Transfer to the City and Recognition

In 1990, Friends purchased the 1.6 acres at the corner of Pecan and 10th streets. In 1992 Friends gifted the library operations to the City of Pflugerville, including books, materials, and furniture with an estimated value of $250,000, retaining ownership of the land purchased in 1990.

In 1993, the Friends of the Pflugerville Community Library was honored as “Citizen of the Year” by the Pflugerville Chamber of Commerce.

With increased hours and use, still operated mostly by volunteers, a part-time circulation assistant was hired by the city. By 1994 the first City Library Board was established, supporting the goal of putting a new building on the purchased/reserved land.

The Friends intended the land they purchased in 1990 to be the site of a new library for Pflugerville. In 1994, Friends donated the land to the City of Pflugerville, with the stipulation that funds be designated, and a building begun within three years.

A Bond Election for a New Building

The City called a bond issue election in late 1996 for three million dollars, $1.5 million each for a new library and a recreation center. The bond was passed by a 4-1 margin, with more votes for the library than the recreation center. An architectural firm was selected and planning for the new library began in earnest.

Groundbreaking for the new library was in 1998, attended by Jake Pickle.

Construction, Fundraising Gala and Finally a Grand Opening

Construction began in summer of 1998 and continued through early 1999.  With the February 1999 move-in, a special fundraiser was held: a Gala called “A Library Love Affair”. The event raised over $60,000.

The dedication of the library was held April 1999, coinciding with National Library Week.  First Lady of Texas, Laura Bush, was guest speaker.

Window to the World Project

From early days, the Friends had always wanted to provide some kind of significant memorial to honor all those hard-working individuals who helped get this library off the ground during the 1981 through 1992 period. After much discussion and thought, it was decided that the window facing south at the end of the Library main room would be the place for a stunning stained-glass window depicting the principles for which they stood: “To make books and information available to all regardless of race, color or creed.”

The window was designed and commissioned by the Friends. It has been constructed and installed by Ray Kraemer, a local retired Lutheran pastor, with the help of Treldon Bohls and Scott Spears. Jan Spears designed the window and prepared the blueprint drawings. Audrey Dearing served as the coordinator on behalf of the Friends.   The window was two years in actual production. There are sixteen 4′ X 4′ panels, all of stained glass. The four center panels depict the children holding hands. The exterior border resembles open books of rainbow colors.

Library Extension

The groundbreaking for the library extension was in January of 2012, beginning the construction of the building Pflugerville residents know today. The extended building opened in 2013.

In 2013, the extension of the library opened, and the Friends were there.

40 Years of the Friends

Friends of the Pflugerville Library continues its support of the library. Used Book Sales are held throughout the year. A continuous bookstore is maintained in the library, called “Buy the Book.” The Friends participate in the library’s Homebound Delivery service for mobility-impaired seniors. Grants are sought frequently for specific projects and programs and donations are always appreciated. Friends sponsor many of the programs for all ages offered by the library throughout the year, including the popular Summer Reading Program.