Our History

The idea for a town library was born from the dream of Marie Underwood, a long-time English teacher and former principal of New Waverly High School. Always a lover of books and education, Mrs. Underwood gathered the support of like-minded individuals and with blessings from the New Waverly City Council, moved into two small rooms in City Hall.  There, the city Fathers provided free rent and utilities.

          From the library’s incorporation on December 18, 1987, the community immediately came to its support. Donated books soon filled the shelves while volunteers stepped in to serve the patrons. Our school district provided financial assistance of $2,500, and the Houston Area Library System provided equipment. All other costs were met through fundraising. 

          It was not long before the library outgrew its home. Justice of the Peace John Pasket stepped up to lead the library to a new dream: its own building. Ron Kolb became the architect of the dream. With Mr. Kolb as Project Coordinator, the building began to take shape. Hundreds of hours of volunteer labor, as well as materials, were donated by citizens throughout Walker County and beyond. Judge Pasket led the fundraising efforts with the help of a group called Friends of the Library. 

          In June of 2000, a groundbreaking ceremony took place at the new site on I-75 South. Plans included a community room that could be rented for events. The room quickly became a hub of activities, which included showers, meetings, parties, and even church services. 

On March 10, 2008, the doors to the ‘new’ New Waverly Public Library opened for business with a ribbon-cutting ceremony where Mrs. Esther Underwood (the sister-in-law to Mrs. Marie Underwood, who was now deceased) cut the ribbon. Those who were present looked on with pride at the beauty and welcoming atmosphere of the 10,000-square-foot building. 

          The library is truly a beautiful building, fully equipped with materials, computers, and hundreds of books. Please excuse our pride, but we know this dream belongs to all who put their hard work, time, resources, and love into it. Come see us, and you will understand.