ECTOR COUNTY LIBRARY’S MISSION STATEMENT


It is the mission of the Ector County Library to enable every person in Ector County to achieve their full potential by empowering them with information and knowledge. The library strives to select, organize, preserve, and make available materials in a variety of formats to meet the recreational, educational, cultural and informational needs in an efficient and effective manner to our diverse community.

ECTOR COUNTY LIBRARY’S 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

  • First Ector County Library

    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.

  • Second Ector County Library

    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

  • Third and Current Library

    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.

  • Landmark Sign on Exterior of Library

Ector County Library
321 West 5th Street
Odessa, Texas 79761
Phone: (432) 332-0633
Library Hours
Monday – Friday 9:00 am- 6:00 pm
Closed Sundays

Computer Lab Hours
Monday – Friday 9:00 am- 6:00 pm
Closed Sundays