Gainesville in Cooke County, Texas — The American South (West South Central)

Cooke County Free Library

Photographed By Jeff Leichsenring, December 19, 2023

1. Cooke County Free Library Marker

Inscription. In 1913, city librarian Lillian Gunter (1870-1926) and the XLI club (a local women's literary society) secured a grant from the Andrew Carnegie Foundation to construct a library building for Gainesville. Gunter then began her quest for state legislation to enable counties to support library services for people outside incorporated cities. With the help of state representative George W. Dayton and the Texas Library Association, the County Library Law was passed in 1917. In 1920, the Gainesville City Council voted to turn over its library to the county, creating one of the first county libraries in Texas. The library moved to new facilities in 1963.

Erected 2001 by Texas Historical Commission. (Marker Number 12599.)

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Charity & Public Work • Women. A significant historical year for this entry is 1913.

Location. 33° 37.402′ N, 97° 8.55′ W. Marker is in Gainesville, Texas, in Cooke County. Marker is at the intersection of South Denton Street and East Main Street, on the right when traveling south on South Denton Street. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 201 S Denton Street, Gainesville TX 76240, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. First United Methodist Church (within shouting distance of this marker); Saint Paul's Church

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(about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); Barbed Wire in Cooke County (about 700 feet away); Gainesville-Fort Sill Road (about 700 feet away); Gainesville National Bank (about 700 feet away); Santa Fe Passenger Depot (approx. 0.2 miles away); Old City Hall-Fire Station (approx. 0.2 miles away); Cooke County Courthouse (approx. 0.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Gainesville.

Photographed By Jeff Leichsenring, December 19, 2023

2. Cooke County Free Library Marker

Credits. This page was last revised on December 21, 2023. It was originally submitted on December 20, 2023, by Jeff Leichsenring of Garland, Texas. This page has been viewed 44 times since then and 18 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on December 20, 2023, by Jeff Leichsenring of Garland, Texas. • James Hulse was the editor who published this page.