History:
At a Town Meeting in 1978, it was determined that in order for Cross Plains to grow and become a better place to live, more community leadership, pride, and cooperation from its citizens was needed. Three committees were formed to accomplish these objectives, one of which was for a Library.

Thanks to many volunteer hours and donations from Cross Plains school alumni, current and former residents, the City of Cross Plains and Callahan county, the Cross Plains Public Library was opened in February of 1979. These generous folks made it possible to purchase the "Barr Building" to house the library. Donated books were received from individuals and from publishing houses. Volunteers helped renovate the front of the building, build shelves, and provide necessary furnishings.

Two years after opening, the Library became a member of the Big Country Library System, which affords many benefits, including funds for the purchase of new books.

Local fund-raising activities have been organized by the Friends of the Library, a non-profit organization,which now owns and operates the Library. Computers have been acquired for library use in automating inventory and check out/in of books, as well as providing internet access for library patrons.

The Library has overflowed the original building, and is currently planning to expand the children's collection into recently acquired space to the north of the original building. A vacant lot adjacent to these building has been developed into a park for library patrons.