Library History

The Andrew Carnegie Library held its formal opening in Winnsboro, Texas, in 1909. However, it did not officially open its doors for public service until 1910.

For the first eight months, the library was opened and operated by the Standard Club of Winnsboro. After that period, the City of Winnsboro assumed responsibility for its operation, appointing Ms. T.U. Bozeman as the first official librarian. To this day, the City continues to support the library, providing funding for books and operational expenses.

In 1967, the library moved to a new building on West Broadway. While many residents felt a sense of loss leaving the historic Carnegie building behind, there was also great pride in the fact that the new facility was built entirely with city funds—without the need for a bond election or state, county, or federal assistance. This marked the beginning of a period of rapid growth for the library.

Interest in expanding the library was reignited in 1985 with a generous $60,000 bequest from the estate of Fern Gilbreath. Later that year, Judge T.C. Chadick—a former resident and retired associate justice of the Texas Supreme Court—donated a lot at 916 N. Main Street for the new library site.

The City of Winnsboro launched a major fundraising campaign, and to the community’s amazement, raised $687,000. In May 1986, the city was awarded a $100,000 grant through the LSCA Title II program, ranking third among thirty applicants. Construction of the new 6,000-square-foot facility began in September 1986. The entire town watched with excitement as the dream of a modern library became a reality.

Additional support came from the North East Texas Library System, which provided a grant for a new computer system. A copy machine donated by Lee Ray helped complete the office setup, giving the library a more official and functional appearance.

Today, the Gilbreath Memorial Library serves a tri-county area that includes Wood, Hopkins, and Franklin counties. It continues to grow and evolve, meeting the changing needs of the community through grants, individual donations, and support from local organizations.

The library remains committed to the vision first set forth by the Standard Club over a century ago—enriching lives through access to knowledge, literacy, and community engagement.