Rio Grande City Public Library

Our Mission

The mission of the Rio Grande City Public Library is to maintain and improve the quality of life for all citizens of our community by providing resources that enhance literacy, life-long learning and access to ideas. We especially recognize our responsibility to serve as a place for children to discover the joy of reading and the value of libraries.

Highlights

RGCPL has over 5,000 library card holders. We average 1000 visitors a month. Our circulation of library books, audio and visual items increased from 4,951 in 2008 to 12,384 in 2009.

Library Board

The Library Board of the City of Rio Grande City was created in 2008. The Library Board is charged with encouraging development of the public library and with recommending to City Council policies and programs for the advancement of the library.

History of the Library

In 1990 Starr County was one of the only counties in the state of Texas not being serviced by a public library. It was a group of 6th grade students from Ringgold Jr High School that brought this fact to the attention of the Starr County Commissioners' Court. With unanimous approval a committee was established and funding was sought. The county received a cooperation grant through the Texas State Library and Archives Commission. A public library for the citizens of Starr County was then established in August of 1990 at 600 N. Garza St. known as San Juan Plaza.

The city of Rio Grande City received a donation of the former IGA Company store building for a library by the Pedro Diaz family. In June 2005 the city completed renovations of the building and the library began operating as the Rio Grande City Public Library (formally known as Starr County Public Library)

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