Terrell County has one of the best small-town public libraries in Texas. Located on the northeast corner of the Courthouse block, the library houses a fine Texana collection; a unique collection of Big Bend history and folklore; and an outstanding array of current magazines, movies and educational videos. Almost half of the library is dedicated to a well-used Children’s Section.

Library programs include the read aloud Story Hour and two computers with internet service. Limited free public usage is available for research, learning, and for retrieval of E-mail by visitors. Envisioned by the Sanderson Public School librarian in the 1960s, and created by a group called Friends of the Library, the Terrell County Library was founded in 1967 and ready to act when the Texas Library Systems Act was passed in 1969. Their motto was the Thomas Edison quote "Everything comes to him who hustles while he waits."

While they waited, the Friends of the Library hustled. The Public Library represents local citizenry at its best. Early contributors were the American Legion Auxiliary and the Culture Club. Bake sales brought in needed funds and calls for the donation of sturdy tables and chairs were amply met. The School shop class constructed shelves and local volunteers cataloged donated books and resource materials. In 1968, volunteers compiled and published their still successful fund-raiser, the popular cookbook,West Texas Cookery.

The Library outgrew one room in the County Courthouse, then two. Friends of the Library became a support group in 1971 when a Library Board of Trustees assumed direction of the library as a Terrell County entity. In 1972, a modern brick building was constructed on the northeast corner of the Courthouse block, funded by a well known "anonymous" local donor family. More community and corporate donations funded an addition to the library in 1982.

Users of the Public Library are grateful to the librarians who have served with little pay, especially Ruth Robbins whose service extended from 1974-1998; to the Permian Regional Planning Commission and the CETA program for funding part-time help; to the Texas Infrastructure Fund for computers; and to Terrell County and the Library Trustees appointed over the years. To all those who have given, from all of us who reap the benefits, the Library is as envisioned, a "source of pleasure and benefit."