Comfort Public Library

It is the mission of the Comfort Public Library to provide a broad range of Library services of the highest quality to all citizens, in the most efficient and effective manner possible. The Library will meet the informational, educational, recreational, cultural, historical and intellectual needs of its patrons.

The public Library is a way of escape from the narrow area of our individual lives into the field, finite no doubt, but unbounded, of the wisdom and experience of all mankind and, the ultimate achievement of the public Library must remain a matter of faith in the power of accurate information, important ideas, and inspiring literature to give an upward thrust to the lives of the many people that the Library serves.

History:

On June 8, 1956, the Comfort Public Library was officially formed. The original collection was created by a local book drive that brought in over 3,000 books. Laura and Tom Bradfield, Edith Giles, and Rosita Hollar led the founding group. In July of 1956 a 5-member advisory board was established and a system of operation designed. Edith Giles served as Comfort's first Librarian.

The Library was housed in various locations during the period 1956-1982. Zimmerman Studio, located in the Comfort Theater, Hunter's Casa de Cazador (now called the Gast House Inn, or Meyer Bed and Breakfast), Stieler Motors (presently Comfort Cable Bldg.) and eventually the ?Old Bank Building? in 1961. In 1981, on the 25th anniversary celebration of the Library, the Board of Trustees accepted the gift of the Arno Schwethelm Memorial Building and the challenge of renovating the building for use as a library. In 2000 the building was renovated to accommodate growth and change.

As a library and community, we continue to honor the traditions of the past, provide meaningful service in the present and anticipate the future with eager and informed will.