In 1916, the City-governed Public Library was first housed in a room above City Hall, now known as Market Hall
In 1974, the Laredo Public Library moved to the historic Bruni Plaza on the corner of Washington and San Bernardo to occupy the former Laredo Chamber of Commerce building. In November of 1993, Laredoans passed a bond to build a new Main Library. The new building, located at the northeast corner of Calton & McPherson Roads, opened to the public on February 1, 1998.
The Laredo Public Library Today
The Laredo Public Libraries features a 60,000 sq. ft. main library and 4 branches that serve the City of Laredo. Each building houses a growing library collection, computers and Internet access.
Laredo Public Library Mission Statement
The Laredo Public Library is service-oriented. The Library focuses on supporting students at all academic levels and on stimulating young children’s interest in reading and learning. It provides resources and services to meet the informational, educational, professional and recreational needs of all residents of the City of Laredo and Webb County, Texas.
This encompasses all individuals and groups. The rights of an individual or group to use library materials within the Laredo Public Library System facilities during its hours of operation shall not be denied because of age, education, philosophy, sex, race, religion, national origin, economic level, political views or the human condition.
Since Laredo and surrounding areas have a rich history dating back to the mid 18th century, the Library is determined to collect, preserve and provide access to documents and materials, which reflect that heritage.