About Us
About The Library
Earning the slogan “City by the Lake,” The Colony extends 23 miles along the eastern shoreline of Lake Lewisville and occupies 13.7 square miles in southeastern Denton County. The Colony is located in the fastest-growing area of the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex, boasts multiple award-winning commercial developments, and has steadily increased in population from 26,531 in 2000 to an estimated 44,610 in 2020.
Amid the new economic development flourishing in the city, The Colony retains its small-town origins, valuing a close sense of community and striving to provide the highest quality of life for the lowest possible cost. For these reasons, The Colony has a reputation for being a young, progressive, family-oriented community.
The Colony Public Library (TCPL) is a single-branch library located in the center of the city and has served the citizens of The Colony and Denton County since 1982. As the community has developed and diversified, the Library has grown and evolved to meet the changing needs of residents. We continue to play a vital role in the community, enhancing the quality of life in The Colony by advancing knowledge, fostering creativity, and building community connections.
In 2019, the Library was awarded a Family Place Libraries™️ grant from the Texas State Library & Archives Commission. Family Place Libraries™️ transforms libraries into community centers for early literacy & learning, parent education & engagement, family support, and community connectivity, helping to ensure all children enter school ready and able to learn. Our dedicated early learning space and parent-child workshops are provide opportunities for young children and their caregivers to play, learn, and grow!
In 2020, TCPL was 1 of 38 libraries in Texas to receive grant funding from the U.S. Institute of Museum and Library Services and Texas State Library & Archives Commission (Grant #CAR1-21036) in support of local efforts to respond to COVID-19 and increase digital inclusion throughout communities. With this grant, the Library extended its WiFi network to the parking lot for 24/7 access and was also able to offer additional mobile hotspots for checkout.
In 2019 and 2020, the Library received the Texas Municipal Library Directors’ Association Achievement of Excellence in Libraries Award for exhibiting excellence in providing and enhancing services to underserved and special populations; in promoting cultural and educational programming; in providing literacy support and digital inclusion; in pursuing collaborative efforts; and in comprehensively training staff.
Mission Statement:
The Colony Public Library is a trusted community resource that responds to the diverse and evolving needs of the public and provides free and equitable access to information, materials, and services.
Vision Statement:
The Colony Public Library is welcoming and inclusive, providing opportunities for lifelong learning, fostering community connections, and enriching lives.
Guiding Principles:
We are:
Community-driven
Trustworthy & Knowledgeable
Inclusive & Accessible
We provide:
Compassionate Service
Opportunities for Lifelong Learning
Creative & Cultural Experiences
Motto:
Enrich. Engage. Explore.
View The Colony Public Library Strategic Plan 2021-2025.
History
The Colony Public Library, born of the efforts of a loyal group of volunteers, first opened its doors in February 1982 in a small, 1,985 square foot storefront facility that it shared with the Parks and Recreation Department. Ann Beckel served as the first Library Director, assisted by librarian Sandi Gehrke; the first president of the Friends of The Colony Public Library was Wanda Gillett.
In December 1984, the citizens of The Colony passed a bond issue to build the 9,025 square foot facility at 5151 North Colony Boulevard, which became the Library's home in August 1987.