Tomball College & Community Library

Drive Thru

At the drive thru customers can return items, pay fines, and pick-up requested items with a valid library card. The drive thru is open the same hours as the library and is located on the left side of the building.  Follow the signs and look for the large awning.

The history of library service in Tomball, Texas goes back to the 1920's when a library station consisting of one glassed-in bookcase was established in the old Post Office building in the 100 block of Main Street. Harris County provided the books (all 200 of them) and the City of Tomball provided space and the volunteer librarian. While well received and heavily used, this particular library service came to an end with the Great Depression. Service of any kind was not resumed until after the Second World War when the County Bookmobile began making regular stops – every three weeks – under the old Sycamore tree near the railroad tracks on Main Street.

Tomball continued to grow and the need for a regular permanent library in town became increasingly evident. At the suggestion of the County Librarian, a Friends of the Library group was formed to help secure a library for Tomball. The Friends group set about raising money and space was rented at 1010 West Main for a "real" library for Tomball.

By 1965 additional space was sorely needed and the library moved to larger quarters at 500 Elm Street. Again, increased use and popular children's programs indicated the need for a larger, better designed facility. Again, the Friends of the Library came to the rescue. The City of Tomball donated an acre of land and in 1972 a 6,000 sq. ft. facility opened for service on James Street.

In 2001 the library moved to temporary quarters on Main Street while a new library is planned in conjunction with Tomball College. The groundbreaking for the new Tomball College and Community Library took place on Wednesday, August 20, 2003.