Midland County Public Libraries: Literacy is the Answer
Midland County Public Libraries exemplify mid-size library excellence. The library system is one of the few in Texas to have transitioned to a fine-less borrowing policy. The system contains the largest genealogical research collection in Texas west of I-35, a petroleum-focused special collection with more than 61,000 items and the only free audio and video recording studio in West Texas’ 86,000 square miles. The collection that is spread across three facilities and a bookmobile includes more than 270,000 books, periodicals, audio-books, CDs and movies.
Storytime, special presentations, book clubs, classes, workshops and performances all are available at no charge to Midland residents at the library’s two main branches – the upscale, nontraditional Centennial Library along West Loop 250 N and the newly remodeled, modern downtown Library at the Plaza on West Missouri Avenue. Midland County Public Libraries also includes a specialized Law Library on North Loraine Street.
The newly renovated downtown Library at the Plaza reopened in May 2019 with a new south-facing entrance close to the parking lot and an open floor plan that includes small study rooms, a conference room and large community room. The colorful, expanded children’s area features a spacious activity room for programs, a one-of-a-kind kinetic sculpture by artist Jeffrey Zachmann and an interactive Everbright wall inspired by the 1980s-era Lite Brite toys. The young adult department now features two fully-equipped video game stations with large, wall-mounted screens and pendant speakers hung from the ceiling with sound-focusing domes that direct noise only to the gamers below.
Setting the new library apart from other facilities, “Library at the Plaza Experience” by David Niles of Niles Creative Group creates a dynamic 38-foot-wide by 12-foot-tall focal point with original content continuously playing on a LED-powered digital wall. In addition to traditional library services such as public computer and Wi-Fi usage and access to the collection, the downtown location now serves as a passport acceptance facility.
The award-winning Centennial Library, which opened in 2013, boasts 33,000 square feet of books, modern technology, museum-quality exhibitions and educational resources. It’s one of Midland’s most appealing destinations for exploring, learning and creating.
The Centennial’s technological components are complemented by an exhibit space that has premiered numerous state, national and international exhibits. Centennial Library has broken attendance records for some nationally touring exhibits.
The Centennial also hosts performances by groups including the Midland-Odessa Symphony, and features numerous author visits and book signings. Summertime children’s activities, teen clubs, adult reading programs, family movies and other events and activities, draw the community to relax and enjoy.
Since its debut in 2015, the Midland County Public Libraries Bookmobile makes regular stops at venues throughout the community, extending library resources beyond the three buildings.
The libraries have received many honors and awards:
• In 2019, Midland County Public Libraries received two Beacon Awards from the Nonprofit Management Center of the Permian Basin. The Program Excellence Award recognized the library for the exhibit “Winston Churchill: A Legacy of Leadership.” Former library director John Trischitti III was honored with the Organizational Leadership Award.
• In 2019, the downtown library at the Plaza was featured in Texas Highways magazine.
• In 2018, the Midland County Public Libraries were recognized by the Nonprofit Management Center of the Permian Basin with a Beacon Award for Excellence in Collaboration with Keep Midland Beautiful.
• In 2018, the Midland County Public Library and Library Director John Trischitti III won the Texas Library Association Branding Iron Advocacy Award for his TED Talk, “Literacy is the Answer.”
• Lone Star Literacy Life online magazine picked Midland-Odessa as one of its Top 10 “Bookish Destinations” in Texas.
Visit the libraries
Centennial Library
2503 W. Loop 250N | Midland, TX 79705
(432) 742‑7400
Hours: 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Monday through Saturday
Library at the Plaza
301 W. Missouri Ave. | Midland, TX 79701
(432) 688‑4320
Hours: 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Monday through Saturday
Law Library
500 N. Loraine St., Ste. 102
Midland, TX 79701
(432) 688‑4351
Hours: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Monday through Friday