The Harper Library began in June, 2004, with a letter to the editor in The Harper News. Seven people met in response to the letter. This group and others began meeting monthly to plan and organize for a library. The library opened its doors to the public on April 6, 2006. 

The library started in a small house behind Dauna's on Hwy. 290. The collection started with donated books from area residents and other libraries, and soon outgrew the first site and searched to find a new home. We moved to our second location in November, 2006.  Along with the move, the library staff converted the entire collection to an automated program allowing patrons to browse the collection, renew and reserve books from home. 

Now with our recent move, we are sharing our new building with our Library Resale Shop.  The remodeling was a fantastic success and the new library is beautiful.  With 3800 sq. ft. we have room to grow while enjoying the light and space in the new location.

When the library opened the collection included about 4000 books.  Now the collection totals about 12,500 materials-- books, audio books, videos & DVD's, periodicals, and newspapers. There is a public meeting room available for local organizations to reserve. Laptops and WIFI connection are available for public use.
In 2011 Harper Library became a member of the Texas State Library System allowing our patrons to have access to Inter Library Loans and the 49 TexShare databases for research. 

Without the grant support from several foundations the library staff would not have been able to grow so successfully. Support also has been very generous from our area land owners and residents. Gillespie Co. now provides some annual funds for operations. Many fund raising events have been held including Music Fests, two home tours, Double B Fireworks Jamborees, Attic Sales, Saturday in the Park, raffles, and many, many book sales. The Harper Library Resale shop was opened in May 2008. Their profits are a wonderful source of income needed to help fund our operating expenses.

Summer Reading Programs have been held each July for children since 2005.  Annual essay contests for Middle and High School students are co-sponsored with The Harper News.They also have instituted a "Books on Wheels" program where they deliver books to persons unable to drive. Special programs are held throughout the year for our patrons.

All of these accomplishments have kept our Library volunteers very busy!  Yes, everyone at the library is a volunteer and thousands of hours have been volunteered to make the Harper Lubrary a vibrant and important part of the Harper area.  The volunteers at the Harper Library are very proud of their accomplishment and invite all in the area to come and enjoy all the library services.