In October 2003 local resident Clare Bixler came before the Van City Council and presented the idea of a need for a library in Van.  City Councilperson Pat Percifield took on the challenge of helping with the project.

Clare and her husband Harold Bixler, Pat Percifield, and Cindy Cole began to process donated books as they were received.  Initially the books were checked out from the Van Reading Corner.  In January 2005 the Van City Council voted to change the name of the facility to better reflect the development of the project.  The name of Van Community Library was adopted.

The VISD students responded to a "Fill-the Pickup" book drive collecting over 700 books.  and other community donations flowing in, the small corner of the Community Center was no longer adequate.expanding the   So in 2006 the City Council allowed the library to move to a larger area in the Center expanding the original 300 square feet to approximately 850 square feet of shelved books and materials.

The most successful book drive was planned by J.E. Rhodes Elementary Counselor Kris Henry in the spring of 2007, resulting in the astounding collection of more than 6,000 donated books!

Currently the Van Community Library has over 11,000 items in its collection, an active board, and a Friends of the Library (FOL) organization.  The square footage recently has been expanded once again to provide much more room for all the books yet to be processed, to enhance the overall appearance, and to better accommodate the patrons.  Many hours of hard work and funds have been contributed by dedicated volunteers.

The City of Van in June 2007 initiated the Van Area VISTA Vision program which has provided VISTA positions for the library.  VISTA member Dian Burleson served as Program Coordinator for several months and continues to serve in multiple levels.  VISTA Wanda Brown is now serving as Program Coordinator.  VISTA Martha Myers is Outreach & Development Coordinator.  Other staff members include Library Director Nancy Davis and Technical Advisor/Assistant Clarence Reece. Two Experience Works employees and a roster of nine faithful volunteers also work regularly in the library.

Programs offered by the library include a weekly Story Time for preschoolers each Thursday at 10:00 A.M.  The Van Kiwanis Club supports Story Time by providing ongoing funds and readers.  A Summer Reading Program is held annually in June and July.  English As a Second Language (ESL) classes are being developed and will be implemented in September 2008.  The AARP assists the library by helping process books for the AARP Workday.  The Friends of the Library is an active group with a heart for the vision of the library and sponsors numerous, exciting fundraisers during the year.

"COME CHECK US OUT!"

Last Updated: 12/19/2008