LINDEN, Texas-The Linden Library is open, 10 years from the day it was proposed.
It is in a building that was formerly a home, without debt and with all books and interior items donated except for two metal shelves.
"This is something concerned citizens have wanted for probably 50 years, a generation before my time. They just didn't have the impetus," said Kay Stephens, a lead volunteer.
Photo Gallery
Satellite Cafe
A book reading/signing by Suzi Parker and performance by local band Stella Fancy on Thursday, June 4.
The library first opened its doors to the public Jan. 3 and then held a grand opening Friday. The building is one block off the town square at 220 S. Main St. and was the former home of Stephens' grandparents, Dr. O.R. and Hattie Taylor, who built the residence in 1924.
The building's wooden interior, period lighting, wood flooring, fireplace and exposed interior brick columns enhance its warmth and elegance. Its exterior is of brick manufactured by the former Atlanta Brick Co., of the neighboring town of Atlanta, Texas.
More than a decade has past since a former physician Dr. Kathleen Sharp led in forming a friends of the library organization. Through the years, materials and ideas were gathered and stored. When the city purchased the Taylor home and grounds, activity around the library increased. City Councilman Marlon Sullivan took a leadership role in the library's development at the former home.
Gifts came to the library project, such as those given by Good Shepherd Hospital when it closed its Linden hospital.
"The hospital gave us wooden shelving, filing cabinet, office chairs and small refrigerator," Stephens said.
Shelves and books came as gifts from the Pittsburg and Hughes Springs, Texas, libraries.
Then she added, "And give the men volunteers credit for preparing the building under Marlon's leadership. The Fishermen's Class at First United Methodist Church took the lead to do the shelving, floors and walls, for example."
Two other gift examples are the elegant Howard Miller grandfather clock at the front of the main library room, which chimes regularly with comforting sounds. The gift is from the Mary Daughety estate.
And from Linden native Sam Higdon came the period ceiling lamps, which were carefully chosen to lend a traditional and friendly glow.
The library is a line item in the town's budget for affording utilities, materials and librarian, according to City Administrator Bob Swisher. Allie Anderson, community development administrator, is supervisor.
"We'll be open and functioning well and then apply for state certification as a library. That's the way you do it," Swisher said.
The building's plain, home-like exterior can be misleading to a viewer passing by. The remodeled interior with its hushed surroundings shows a library full of beauty and life.
The library's central desk greets visitors at the front door, and looking down upon children from their places on widely spaced shelves are shiny books and familiar, comical cartoon characters. One room has space for a genealogical society.
Library volunteers will be around at all times. A public library indicates an educated community of people care about life here, the volunteers said.
"What you see is what we've raised here," Stephens said. "We've had volunteers galore, and these are not musty books on the shelves. Everything is clean and fresh."
Linden's library has one full-time employee at the moment, librarian Sydni Goza. Business hours are from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday through Friday, except Wednesday, which is closed. Saturday hours are from noon until 5 p.m. with Sunday closed.
These hours may be adjusted to fit needs in time, the librarian said.
The library's telephone number is 430-218-8770. Library membership is free with only identification such as driver's license needed.