History, Hours & Location
Our Mission
Enable every County resident and visitor in our diverse, growing community to reach their full potential by empowering them with information, discovery, knowledge and lifelong learning.
Our Vision
Transform into a one-stop shop community hub of free informational, educational, cultural, civic and recreational resources.
Strategic Areas of Focus
- BUILD a new, innovative library and system of branches
- Continue to REPRESENT and reflect the changing, diverse needs of our community of users
- Create and IMPLEMENT value-added services and programs for patrons
- PROVIDE first-class customer service in person and virtually
Our History
In 1938 several women’s clubs which included the Odessa Book Club persuaded the county to refurbish the old courthouse-square jail as Odessa’s first public library. From 1938 to 1942 Lila White served as organizing librarian. Started with 800 donated books, the collection tripled within one year and a children’s section was added. In 1942 a new library was constructed at 622 N. Lee. From 1943 to 1963 under librarian Velma Barrett, circulation swelled and the building expanded in 1957. It functioned 39 years until a burgeoning 300,000 item inventory required a larger space at 321 West 5th in 1981. Unique library resources include southwestern history and genealogy collections. Book circulation and library patronage per capita are among Texas’ highest.
The First Library
In 1938 several women’s clubs persuaded the county to refurbish the old courthouse-square jail as Odessa’s first public library. It was a small red brick covered with white stucco. It was located on the Northeast Corner of the Courthouse square.
The Second Library
In 1942 a new library was constructed at 622 N. Lee.
From 1943 to 1963 under librarian Velma Barrett, circulation swelled and the building expanded in 1957. It functioned 39 years until a burgeoning 300,000 item inventory required a larger space
The Third Library
1981 to Present located at 321 West 5th St. Unique library resources include southwestern history and genealogy collections. Book circulation and library patronage per capita are among Texas’ highest.
Library Map
Ector County Library
321 West 5th Street
Odessa, Texas 79761
Phone: (432) 332-0633
Library Hours
Monday – Saturday 9:00am – 7:00pm
(2nd and 3rd Floors closed Saturday 1:00-2:00 for lunch)
Closed Sunday
Computer Lab Hours
Monday – Saturday 9:30am – 6:30pm
Closed Sunday