About Us
Who We Are
The McGinley Memorial Public Library system is located at 317 S. Main St. in McGregor, Texas. The McGinley Memorial Public Library provides free services to all residents living within the city of McGregor & McLennan county & its boundaries.
The library system holds over 17,000 materials including over 15,000 books, 600 audiobooks on CD, and 1,200 VHS/DVDs. We have an extensive collection of large print books and also offer a free digital library for all patrons through Overdrive Libby.
In addition to these items, hundreds of people enter the library to utilize copy & print services, use electronic reference resources, access the Internet, enjoy free Wi-fi service, participate in computer and Internet training, view Library exhibits, or attend one of the Library’s many events.
We offer Inter-library Loans for materials that we do not house and participate in the TexShare card program as well. Ask the librarian for information & assistance with these services.
Books from the Waco-McLennan County Library system can also be requested for delivery to the McGinley Memorial Public Library and then checked out in McGregor. All requests must be placed at our library. Delivery and pick-up is each Thursday. This is a free service. Please ask the librarian for more information & assistance with this service.
Our friendly and professional staff is eager to serve you.
Welcome to the Public Library!
Our History
For nearly four decades, McGinley Memorial Public Library has served the City of McGregor and surrounding areas of McLennan County.
But, the history of the building located at 317 South Main Street in historic downtown McGregor stretches back to the town’s earliest days.
Around the turn of the century, the space now used as a library housed C.P. Shaffer’s “Implements, Wagons, and Buggies” business.
in 1936, the implement store was converted into the Ritz Movie Theatre. The theater was destroyed by a fire on December 6, 1946. it was rebuilt and had its grand opening on April 2, 1947 showing the movie, “Love Laughs at Andy Hardy.” Local residents came out in force for the grand opening, including local businessman Harlan Huffman, who sang “America” to the crowd.
After a long run, the Ritz Theater owned by the McGinley family closed its doors in 1958. Following the death of their parents, Thom and Curtis McGinley donated the building to the McGregor Library Association for use as a public library.
The library was built within the shell of the old auditorium. The library’s balcony is virtually the same today as it was in 1947, complete with original movie seats and two projectors.
Through the endeavors of many community members - including Betty Crelia who later became the first librarian - McGinley Memorial Public Library opened in 1986, becoming a member of the Central Texas Library System and the Texas State Library. McGinley Memorial Public Library remains an accredited member of the Texas State Library.
Our Mission
The mission of McGinley Memorial Public Library is to promote a life-long love of reading and to provide educational, informational, and recreational resources to patrons of all ages, and cultural and economic backgrounds.
Our Vision
Our vision is to educate, entertain, and enrich our growing community.