Eckert Memorial Library

Mason has a deep-seated love of the literary. Long before radio, television and computers, Mason residents enjoyed passing time by reading. They also knew that you needed a place to keep all those books.

The library’s origins trace back to May 1937, when the Mason Study Club began gathering books to establish a public library. The July 9, 1938, opening marked the library’s first public service in its original location. Over the decades, the library moved several times before settling into its current building in 1991.

While continuing to offer books and paper archives, the Eckert Memorial Library also offers Internet access to the public. This progressive step opens up a world of possibilities to young and old alike and epitomizes the willingness of Mason residents to explore new avenues of learning. You can visit them on the web at http://www.masontexaslibrary.com . The website is updated often with news about what’s happening at the library.

The Mason County M. Beven Eckert Memorial Library, located just south of the square, continues Mason's tradition of working together to promote learning. Though a new building, care was taken to design the structure so that it fits in within the historical district.

Rotating exhibitions include information on The Eckert James River Bat Cave, early Mason families and history, and works of art by local artists. In addition to rotating exhibits of art, permanent pieces in the library’s art collection include the large marquetry panel entitled Kindred Destinies that was created and donated by local artists Spider Johnson and Lora Hunt. This panel, hanging in the main library, is made up of more than 5,000 separate pieces of wood, precisely cut and applied to create the image, and required over 350 hours of painstaking craftsmanship. The beveled glass entry doors for the Main Library were donated by Walt Germer. A large needlework panel depicting local Texas wildflowers was created by Myrtle Wade and now hangs in the Stribling Room.

The library is home to a collection of Old Yeller memorabilia, including a bronze statue in front of the building. The statue is a tribute to the beloved characters from Fred Gipson’s 1956 novel Old Yeller. Fred Gipson, a Mason native, was inspired to write the book by stories from his grandfather of a real-life dog named Rattler. 

During the summer, kids can take advantage of the Read-To-Swim program, sponsored by the Mason Bank. Each child that reads for one hour in the library earns a free pass to the Mason swimming pool just next door. Interested kids should inquire at the front desk of the library to take advantage of this wonderful program.

Those interested in taking a direct hand in the support of the library should consider joining Friends of the Library.

Story Time for the kids is held every Friday at 10:00 a.m. during the school year.

 

M. Beven Eckert Memorial Library

410 Post Hill
Mason, TX 76856

Phone:  325-347-5446