The Butt-Holdsworth Memorial Library is dedicated to inspiring creativity, nurturing lifelong learning, and instilling a love for reading. We aim to strengthen our community by providing accessible resources that foster education, culture, and recreation for all.
History
In January 1941 the local Literary Club Library opened to anyone interested for an annual fee of $1 (that fee was dropped by the end of the year).
By 1957 the Friends of the Library recognized the need for larger space and raised $20,000, thereby purchasing the previous Church of the Pentecost.
In 1965, the need arose for new library space and $600,000 (or about $7.5 million in today’s dollars) were raised for the project. The Butt family provided 50%, 40% came from state and federal – of key importance was the Library Construction Act of 1964 established by Lyndon B. Johnson. The remaining 10% was covered by the City of Kerrville and the Friends of the Butt Holdsworth Memorial Library. The funds were used to purchase the land and to build a modern three-story circular native stone, steel and glass library that stands as a memorial to members of the Butt and Holdsworth families, most especially Mary Elizabeth Holdsworth-Butt.
Ground broke in 1966 and the Butt-Holdsworth Memorial Library opened on August 26, 1967 with Lady Bird Johnson formally dedicating the library.
During the next several decades and through today, the library saw growth in the size and services. The Kerr Regional History Center opened its doors in 2003.
In 2022, an ADA and baby buggy compliant ramp was opened. In 2024, thanks to the efforts of many community partners, the ramp was transformed by the “Ode to the River” art in public spaces to honor the unique flora and fauna of the area.
And, now in 2026, The Butt-Holdsworth Memorial Library is excited to continue providing service to the community as we expand the campus to host the Heart of the Hills Heritage Center in the A.C. Schreiner building.
Vision Statement
The Butt-Holdsworth Memorial Library strives to cultivate a spirit of exploration and intellectual curiosity. Our goal is to promote continuous learning and the pursuit of knowledge for all community members.
Explore Our Online Resources
Access a wide range of digital materials from the comfort of your home. We offer:
eBooks
Audiobooks
Streaming Services
Research Databases
Educational Tools
Stay connected to knowledge, culture, and entertainment with our comprehensive online resources.
