Dreaming of a quiet escape? The West University Library is your answer. It is a place where stories come alive. Let’s step inside this beloved community hub.
The West University Library has a rich history. It reflects the spirit of West University Place itself. The library’s story began humbly. In 1926, a library station opened at West University School. This was the start of something special.
The community’s thirst for knowledge grew stronger. By the early 1940s, the library was checking out over 10000 books annually. The City offered space in the new community center. This showed how important the library was to the residents. In November 1941, the West University Library officially opened. It had only a card table, a chair, and a bookcase with 100 books. The library was open three mornings a week.
Thelma Ann Sanders became the branch librarian in 1942. She was a truly devoted librarian. Sanders would call customers. She told them about new books she thought they would enjoy. She even made deliveries to those who were too busy to visit. Sanders could see the community center from her kitchen window. If she saw someone returning a book after hours, she would reopen the library.
During World War II, the library faced a challenge. The community center housed the Red Cross. Civil defense personnel also used the space. The library needed a temporary home. Otherwise, it would be shut down. A community resident offered his field house. The building had no heat. The librarian did all janitorial duties. After the war, the library moved back to the community center.
Thelma Sanders had a burning ambition. She wanted a real full-time adequate library for the community. By 1953, the West University Library was open 40 hours a week. That year, the branch circulated 23775 books. This was an increase of 6767 books from the previous year. It became the second-highest circulating branch in the system.
In 1958, despite holding only 4300 books, the library had a circulation of 82926. Each book was checked out at least 19 times that year. That summer, the City installed an air conditioner.
In 1959, the City began planning a new community building. It was decided the library needed a separate building. The new building was completed in 1963. The grand opening took place on September 8, 1963. Hundreds of residents came to see the new library. A harpist played while residents explored the building.
The West University Library is more than just a building. It is a testament to the power of community. It is a place where everyone can discover something new. The library has evolved to meet the needs of its users. It provides computer stations, scanners, and self-checkout machines.
The West University Library stands as a beacon of knowledge. It is a place where stories are cherished. The West University Library enriches the lives of all who enter its doors.