Plano Community Library celebrates 120 years

The second in our series of profiles of local businesses features Plano Community Library. This profile doubles as the first in a series about Plano milestones, in conjunction with the nation’s commemoration of 250 years since the signing of the Declaration of Independence.

In 2026, Plano Community Library celebrates its one hundred twentieth anniversary on the corner of Center and North Streets. Originally known as Little Rock Township Library, it was formed in 1901, with Maude Henning as the librarian. A permanent location was needed, so the library board purchased the corner lot in 1904, and with grants totalling $10,250 from Andrew Carnegie, a library was built, opening in 1906. “Auntie” Maude Henning was library director almost continually until her retirement in 1951 at the age of 85.

The nearly 5,000 square foot building served the community well for decades. In 1971, the front of the library was extended to include a new entrance and allow the collection to expand to the lower level. The 21^st century brought growth to Plano and the need for more room for the library to continue serving residents. Under the leadership of library director Diana Hastings and the library board, the lot to the west was purchased so the library could expand. The community passed the library’s $4.8 million referendum and a 24,000 square foot addition was undertaken. Completed in 2004, the project included removal of the 1971 addition, restoring the east facing side of the library to faithfully resemble the previous facade.

Today, the 1906 portion of the building, known as the Carnegie Room, still retains the original woodwork, fireplace, circulation desk, shelving and lamp shades, along with the grandmother clock donated in 1906 by the local women’s club.

Library Director Deanna Howard says, “A library is about more than the “things” inside it. Our library is about the people who walk through the front door and the staff who look forward to helping them. This building is beautiful because it brings us together.”