APL History
HISTORY OF THE ALPINE PUBLIC LIBRARY
A public library in Alpine was first organized in 1947 by members of the El Progreso Club (a women's study club of Alpine which merged with The Women's Club of Alpine in 1963). The first location of the El Progreso Public Library was a corner of Henderson's Radio Shop. The first books were donated by guests at an afternoon tea hosted by the El Progreso Club.
In the spring of 1948, the Brewster County Commissioners Court donated the use of the sheriff's garage next to the old jail. El Progreso Club member, Bonnie Newell, offered to serve as the volunteer librarian. As the book collection grew and the circulation increased, the need for more space became evident.
An intensive fundraising drive to buy property was instigated by then El Progreso president, Virginia Bailey. These money-making efforts included the raffling off of a 1946 Oldsmobile Station Wagon and the entry in two national contests, "Build a Better Community" sponsored by the General Federation of Women's Clubs and the "Queen of America" contest sponsored by the Mutual Broadcasting System. In the first contest, El Progreso won first place in the state of Texas and second place nationally. In the second contest, Bonnie Newell was chosen as one of five finalists out of 50,000 entries. Through these events and various donations, the goal of $14,000 dollars was reached for the library.
At this time, the Sohl home across from the Brewster County Courthouse was offered to the library for purchase. The dedication ceremony was held on the courthouse lawn in August 1950. Around 1970, the two buildings to the South were purchased and connected to the library resulting in the Alpine Public Library's current unique and charming configuration.
The Alpine Public Library is also unique in that it is an independent private corporation and is governed by a Board of Directors. The Alpine Public Library association has contracts with both the city and the county which helps supply basic operating funds. Other expenses are made possible through grants, fundraising by the Friends of the Alpine Public Library, and individual donations.
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