This 12000 square foot building wasn’t always here. The Atascocita Branch Library’s story begins long before its 1996 opening. It started in 1986 with a dream. A group called Atascocita Hi Neighbor led by Odell Dreyer envisioned a library for their growing community. They spent a decade tirelessly working toward that goal.
They faced challenges. Finding land proved difficult. The initial site was lost due to a bank merger. Leadership changed. The project was revived under new county leadership. The Hi Neighbor group became the Friends of Atascocita Library (FOAL). They raised money. They found a new location.
Construction finally started in 1994. The library opened May 5 1996. Linda Bryson was the first librarian. The collection started with 60000 to 65000 items. The library had 12 public access computers. There was a meeting room. A conference room was also available. Even a staff workroom and kitchen were included.
Early favorites included Goosebumps books books about dogs and microfiche copies of The New York Times. The library wasn’t without its challenges. Roof leaks and wet carpets appeared soon after opening. Graffiti and snakes were unwelcome guests. Despite these setbacks the community rallied around their new library.
The Friends of the Atascocita Library continued to support the library. They organized fundraisers like golf tournaments. The money bought books furniture and equipment. The library became a vibrant community hub. It hosted events like Harry Potter parties summer carnivals and even a cosplay chess tournament. It offered internet classes and programs for all ages.
Through storms both literal and figurative the Atascocita Branch Library persevered. Hurricane Ike hit in 2008. Power was out for weeks. But staff held storytimes using flashlights. They selected books to help children cope with the trauma. The Atascocita Library became a beacon of resilience and community spirit.
Today the Atascocita Branch Library continues to thrive. It serves approximately 70000 people. Seven story times are held each week. Programs for all ages are regularly offered. It stands as a testament to the dedication of those who dreamed of a library in Atascocita and the community that embraced it. This library is more than just books. It’s a place of learning connection and growth. It’s a place that continues to evolve and serve the community that built it.