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Notes from the Field: Waltz Across Texas, Second Dance

 

Originally published September 3, 2024





As if spurred by the August heat, the tempo picked up for the second number—a dizzying duo of days in which I visited small public libraries, toured their spaces, and chatted with their leadership about how the Texas State Library and Archives Commission (TSLAC) could best support them. Workforce Development Consultant Maria Freed stepped up with me for a turn along the edge of the Edwards Plateau, with visits to Hondo Public Library, Leon Valley Public Library, Lakehills Area Library, and Patrick Heath Public Library.


Day 1

Hondo Public Library

The seat of Medina County, Hondo is located on US 90 West—just a 40-mile sashay west of the Alamo, within the Eagle Pass-Laredo-San Antonio triangle. Don’t go too fast, though, as the landmark sign reading “This is God’s Country, Please Don’t Drive Through It Like Hell” encourages you to take some time to enjoy the city’s natural beauty, as well as the Raye Theater, Medina County Museum, Southern Pacific Hondo Depot, and the Hondo Public Library.

The Hondo Public Library dates back to 1966, and has been successfully growing ever since, becoming a kid-friendly and accessible community hub, now housed in a beautiful new facility in the heart of town.

Below is the highlight reel from our visit:




Leon Valley Public Library


The Leon Creek flows through the City of Leon Valley with both taking their name from mountain lions that settlers encountered prancing along its banks. Now the gateway to regional attractions including Sea World and Six Flags Fiesta Texas, Leon Valley was incorporated in 1952 and is home to Raymond Rimkus Park, the Leon Valley Little Victory Organic Community Garden, and the Leon Valley Public Library.

The Leon Valley Public Library has a proud history dating back to 1976 that began at the hands of local volunteers who decided that the community needed a local library, organized a drive for books, raised funds, and gained support from the City of Leon Valley. For a detailed account, visit the About section of the library website.

Below is the highlight reel from our visit:





Day 2


Lakehills Area Library


Lakehills sits on the shores of Medina Lake, and easy access to these clear, blue waters makes it a perfect place to get away and enjoy the great outdoors. The area is home to the Bandera County Park at Lake Medina, Pipe Creek Pumpkin Patch, Cross G Ranch Trail Rides, and the Lakehills Area Library.

While Lakehills is technically a census-designated place (CDP) with just 5,300 people spread over 34 square miles between Bandera and San Antonio, the Lakehills Area Library steps them all together, promoting programs to stimulate and expand the reading interest of all ages and coordinating this work with the educational, cultural and, social groups of the community. For a detailed account of the programs and services offered, visit the library website.

Below is the highlight reel from our visit:


Patrick Heath Public Library


Boerne, located on Cibolo Creek northwest of San Antonio, is the seat of Kendall County and was established in 1849 by German settlers. In fact, the Boerne Village Band is billed as the “Oldest Continuously Organized German Band in the World outside Germany” and has been recognized by Germany for its contribution to German heritage in Texas and the United States. The city is home to the second-oldest courthouse in Texas, as well as the Hill Country Mile, Cibolo Center for Conservation, Boerne City Lake Park, Cascade Caverns, and the Patrick Heath Public Library.

The Patrick Heath Public Library has a proud history dating back to 1952, rooted in community support—with special thanks to the Cibolo Grange—throughout multiple iterations as it evolved to meet an ever-growing community. For an extensive account, visit the Library History section of their website.

Below is the highlight reel from our visit:



***

Thank you to our gracious hosts for granting us this time together. Join us later in August to see who’s next on the dance card.
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