Historic Carnegie Library of Ballinger

About Us

  • Carnegie Library of Ballinger

    The Carnegie Library is located at 204 N. 8th St., Ballinger, TX.  We strive to meet the needs of our community as well as residents of Runnels County.  Our services are free but our history is priceless.  Of the original 32 libraries in Texas funded by the Carnegie Foundation, we are one of four Carnegie Library buildings in Texas still being used as a library.  The Carnegie Library of Ballinger is 111 years.

    If you can't find what you're looking for in our collection of over 13,000 materials, help is just a click away through an Inter Library Loan.  Books can be borrowed from other libraries in the Big Country System and mailed directly to the Library. 

    Our friendly staff is eager to serve you.  Welcome to the Carnegie Library of Ballinger.  Carolyn and Amber and are waiting to serve YOU the people of Runnels County!

    Our Mission

    The mission of the Carnegie Library is to provide all persons in the community with a safe and confidential environment in which they may freely pursue intellectual, educational, and recreational interests through diverse services and resources collected in a variety of formats.

  • Contact Us

    Our mailing address is:

    204 N. 8th Street

    Ballinger, TX 76821

    Our phone number is: (325)365-3616

    Or you can use the appropriate form below to contact us via e-mail:

    We look forward to hearing from you!

  • Library Policies

    The way we do things and why
  • Library Services

    Everything we do for you, inside the library or out

    Circulation Services

    We are available to assist you in your search for a particular subject or item.
    We offer limited computer instruction.
    We will do genealogical research on an available time basis.

    Youth and Teen Services

    Data bases as shown on the home page are available for research when ever the library is open.

    Sign-up for Texshare (free) and you can access it from your home computer.

    Reference Assistance

    Library staff  is always available for assistance.  Questions may be submitted through this web site or by telephone.  We are happy to help as time will allow.

    The Library's Collection

    We currently have 15,662 titles.  These include Adult fiction, large print, audio books (tape & cd), videos  ( dvd), magazines and a large collection of children's books (preschool, primary, and junior)  young adult.

    There are 5 adult and 3 children's computers with internet access.  Children 12 and under must have an adult with them. 

    Community Spaces in the Library

    The Mary Sykes Auditorium may be leased for banquets, wedding receptions and special occasions.

    The Shakespeare Room is available for special events as well. 

    A lease agreement must be signed along with a deposit check and a rental check before either can be reserved.

    Leasees from outside the county must have a local sponsor.

    A lease agreement will be provided upon request.

  • Supporting Your Library

    How to get involved!

    Volunteering

    Those desiring to volunteer are invited to come in and fill out a simple application form.  Volunteers are called as needed.

    Friends of the Library

    Our Library Board acts as our Friends of the Library and are encouraged to enlist others to assist as Friends of the Library.

    Donations and Gifts

    Monetary gifts are welcomed by the library.  These gifts will be used to purchase materials as suggested by the giver at the Director's discretion.  A record and acknowledgment of these gifts will be maintained by library staff.  With the approval of the donor, a bookplate will be placed in each item purchased with gift monies.

    The Library does not commit itself to accepting all donations of materials.  Material that is donated is subject to the selection criteria that apply to new purchases.  Donated items may be added to the collection, sold, donated to other organizations, or disposed of.  The library will provide upon request a receipt showing the date and number of pieces donated by format, but will not undertake an appraisal of the items.

    Book Table

    Donated books that are not placed into circulation may be obtained through the reference desk for a donation.

    Memorials and Endowments

    Permanent or temporary memorials will be established at the library at the discretion of the Library Board.  Memorials will always include bookplates.  Record and acknowledgement of the endowment and memorial purchases will be maintained by a designated person.

     
    Walk of Honor Bricks
    A brick of honor may be purchased as a memorial or as an honor to a person or family.  A donation of $50 per brick is requested.

  • Your Library Card

    Getting a card, renewing materials, placing holds, etc.

    Who can get a card
    Any resident of Runnels County is eligible for a membership card at no cost.  A replacement card will cost $3.00.

    How to Get Your Card
    A registration card is to be filled out with a street address.  You must also submit a picture ID.

    Children (14 & under) are required to have a parent's  or guardian's signature.

    Borrowing Limits
    Books and audio books - 21 days

     DVD movies (Limit of 3)  -  7 days.   Adult library card is required.  The adult must be  present.

    Total items checked out at one time - 5

    Reserves
    We will reserve any available cataloged item

    Renewing Your Borrowed Items
    All materials may be renewed at least once, except for Inter library Loans.

    Library Fines
    Books returned through the Book-drop after 12 pm on the due date are considered late and will be charged a late fee.

    Audio and video materials left in the Book-drop will be subject to a $5.00 fine per item.

    Books & Audio books - 25 cents per day

    Videos (VHS & DVD) - $1.00 per day

    Maximum late fees - $10.00 per item.