Director's Welcome
Welcome to the Newark Public Library’s Website!
Newark has always had a special place in my heart. I grew up here and have always loved this small-town community that has a passion for friendship and generosity. It is our mission to provide the community with the resources they need to thrive and enjoy their best lives. Our commitment is to everyone in our community that includes people of every age, race, ethnicity, background, personal philosophy, religious belief, occupation, sexual orientation, economic level, and human condition. We are here to serve with excellence and respect for all. The Newark Public Library strives to provide quality materials that fulfill educational, cultural, and recreational needs of the community. We have something for every reading level and preferences: from mystery suspense adult fiction to juvenile graphic novels, you are sure to find something you will love. I look forward to seeing you at the library! Ashlee Sikes, MLIS Library Director |
Our History
The first Newark Circulating Library was organized in 1901 by Dr. L. H. Reeves who served as librarian and issued the books from his office. They were usually issued late Saturday afternoon when "everyone" came into town to meet the six o'clock mail.
A Newark citizen by the name of Mr. Thomas J. Gary started contacting the business men, Depot Agents, Doctors' offices, and Cottage Hotels in hopes of obtaining money for the first books. He also contacted many of the local businesses that were operating at the time. To name a few, Harrison's store, Portwood's Ice Cream Parlor, Popes's Grocery, Hudson's General Mercantile, Moore's Drug Store, Dave Easter's Barber Shop, Harmon's Grocery, Palmer's Meat Market, Lon Mabry's Pool Hall, Tom McCanne's Black Smith Shop, Armstrong Lumber Yard, and the Cotton gins. Many other Individuals contributed to the fund and the library started with about forty books. Every time anyone went to Fort Worth shopping a new book was added to the collection. There were a few histories and several classics. But most of the books were by then current authors such as Harold Bell Wright, Harold McGrath, George Barr McCutchison, Zane Gray, and Jack London. The most read book was St. Elmo by Augusta Evans. Patron Sue Gary was the most ardent reader of the library. During the winter months there were a few "Home-meetings" where books were discussed and exchanged.
In a more recent time, the Newark City Council decided to honor lifelong Newark, Texas resident, Godfrey Pegues by naming the current library after him. Godfrey, who passed away at the age of 95 on August 13, 2014, served as a Newark Public Library Board Member and had for several decades. Godfrey was a steadfast supporter of Texas public libraries and schools.
A Newark citizen by the name of Mr. Thomas J. Gary started contacting the business men, Depot Agents, Doctors' offices, and Cottage Hotels in hopes of obtaining money for the first books. He also contacted many of the local businesses that were operating at the time. To name a few, Harrison's store, Portwood's Ice Cream Parlor, Popes's Grocery, Hudson's General Mercantile, Moore's Drug Store, Dave Easter's Barber Shop, Harmon's Grocery, Palmer's Meat Market, Lon Mabry's Pool Hall, Tom McCanne's Black Smith Shop, Armstrong Lumber Yard, and the Cotton gins. Many other Individuals contributed to the fund and the library started with about forty books. Every time anyone went to Fort Worth shopping a new book was added to the collection. There were a few histories and several classics. But most of the books were by then current authors such as Harold Bell Wright, Harold McGrath, George Barr McCutchison, Zane Gray, and Jack London. The most read book was St. Elmo by Augusta Evans. Patron Sue Gary was the most ardent reader of the library. During the winter months there were a few "Home-meetings" where books were discussed and exchanged.
In a more recent time, the Newark City Council decided to honor lifelong Newark, Texas resident, Godfrey Pegues by naming the current library after him. Godfrey, who passed away at the age of 95 on August 13, 2014, served as a Newark Public Library Board Member and had for several decades. Godfrey was a steadfast supporter of Texas public libraries and schools.