East Parker County Library

East Parker County Library (EPCL) serves all of Parker County and Aledo ISD, including the towns of Aledo, Willow Park, Hudson Oaks, Annetta, Annetta North, Annetta South, and unincorporated Parker County. In our small building, EPCL provides the community with over 26,000 books, audio materials, and DVDs for check-out. Through membership in Parker County Library Association, EPCL offers patrons an additional 200,000 items. We also offer North Texas Libraries On The Go (the OverDrive/Libby app), TexShare databases, and NewsBank -- digital resources allowing patrons 24/7 access to download and read books, journal articles, newspapers and more on their own devices.

From offering free Wi-Fi and computer access to providing public programs and space for tutoring, the library strives to meet the needs of the communities we serve. At EPCL, patrons can job hunt, complete applications, access government forms, or visit websites for information and entertainment. Through our many programs and special events, such as our weekly Storytime, annual Summer Reading Program, monthly Adult Book Club, Open Play hours, regular Teen Time, and much more, EPCL has something for everyone – from tiny tots to seasoned seniors and everyone in between! In 2024, East Parker County Library's Summer Reading Program attracted 1141 participants (nearly 1/3 more registrants than the previous year!), and this program continues to build each summer.

One of the newest ways in which we’re meeting the changing needs of our communities is by offering Makerspace equipment – opportunities for library patrons to explore new projects and activities, from robotics to crafts. Makerspaces have been incorporated into classrooms and libraries for years, and provide hands-on opportunities for creativity and collaboration for all ages. These new experiences can prompt the exploration of new ideas, new hobbies, and even new career possibilities. Last fiscal year, your generous support enabled EPCL to purchase a small selection of robotic, 3D printing, graphic design, and crafting equipment.

Our Needs

Aledo and East Parker County continue to undergo record growth, which presents new challenges and opportunities for East Parker County Library. 

In fiscal year 2024-2025 we are launching the Makerspace equipment purchased last year through open reservations, sandbox play events, STEM programs, and other opportunities for community engagement. We also hope to bring in guest presenters and facilitators to offer educational programs with the new Makerspace tools. Our remaining financial needs include re-usable STEM building kits (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math), small tools, and storage containers; consumable project materials including markers, pens, fabric, yarn, beads, electronic wires/circuits, glue, filament, ink, and many other craft and office supplies; and staff and community training resources.

East Parker County Library's other major need at this time is for refreshed physical collections. Many of our books have circulated past their prime, leaving us to decide between bare shelves and a physically run-down, outdated collection. We continuously work to remove materials that no longer serve our community, but we need your financial help replacing them with excellent new literature and resources.