Temple in Bell County, Texas — The American South (West South Central)
Temple Public Library
Photographed by Mansfieldphoto.com, April 19, 2026
1. Temple Public Library Marker
On March 29, 1900, the Womens Literary Club and the Self Culture Club formed a city federation for the purpose of organizing a public library. Soon the first library opened in a corner of the post office building and later moved to a book store. In 1901 the National Library Program of steel millionaire Andrew Carnegie funded a library building. The new structure was opened in 1904 in the center of the city park at First and Central Avenue. Citizens headed by Mrs. W.S. Banks held fund drives to operate the facility until 1907 when the city appropriated revenue.
In 1918, fire destroyed the building. The library reopened in 1924 and was housed in various businesses until 1929 when it moved into the municipal building. Women of the library board ran the program until the city took over in 1954.
After a new postal facility was erected in 1963 the city received this 51-year-old post office building for a library. The Renaissance Revival edifice was remodeled in 1964 using funds from a bond issue and the Carnegie Library Association. A memorial room was named for W. Goodrich Jones, one of the librarys benefactors. This facility is a member of the Central Texas Library Association and provides a full library program.
Recorded Texas Historic Landmark - 1978
Erected
this page online
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Education. In addition, it is included in the Carnegie Libraries series list. A significant historical date for this entry is March 29, 1900.
Location. 31° 5.869′ N, 97° 20.438′ W. Marker is in Temple, Texas, in Bell County. It is at the intersection of N. Main Street and E. Adams Avenue (State Highway 53), on the right when traveling north on N. Main Street. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 101 N Main St, Temple TX 76501, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is in Central Texas. It is also in the American South. Globally, it is in North America, a Gulf of Mexico state, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once New Spain, the Republic of Texas, and one of the Confederate States of America.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: First United Methodist Church Of Temple (within shouting distance of this marker); City of Temple (within shouting distance of this marker); Site of Organization of the Texas Forestry Association (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Site of 42nd Reunion of Hood's Texas Brigade (about 300 feet away); Pool of Tears Veterans Memorial (about 300 feet away); Knob Creek Lodge No. 401 (about 400 feet away); Christ Episcopal Church of Temple (about 800 feet away); Temple Daily Telegram (approx. 0.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Temple.
Photographed by Duane Hall, October 6, 2015
2. Temple Public Library Marker
Photographed by Duane Hall, October 6, 2015
3. Marker next to Main Entrance of Building
Photographed by Duane Hall, October 6, 2015
4. 103 Year Old Building Used for Library and Post Office
circa 1912
5. About 103 years ago....
Credits. This page was last revised on May 30, 2026. It was originally submitted on October 27, 2015, by Duane Hall of Abilene, Texas. This page has been viewed 1,047 times since then and 55 times this year. Photos: 1. submitted on May 30, 2026, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas. 2, 3, 4. submitted on October 27, 2015, by Duane Hall of Abilene, Texas. 5. submitted on October 28, 2015.
