Bonham, Texas -- A gorgeous spring day, Tuesday, April 22 set the perfect stage for a special occasion at Bonham Public Library. A pillar in the community, this popular public library will be celebrating 125 years of service in 2026. Its goal to unite the community can be seen not only in books to read, but in deeply enriching (free!) events for all.
Tuesday's event, in partnership with Neighborhood Forest, had Bonham Public Library facilitating the delivery of free black gum sapling trees to kids from all over Fannin County. Thanks to hardworking librarians, our small corner of Texas is participating in a nationwide effort, with a broader goal of giving 100,000 tree saplings to kids this year.
Youth Librarian Chris Clark had hoped at least 100 kids would sign up to receive the free gift in celebration of Earth Day. To the delight of the library staff, a surprising 483 children signed up for the program. From entire classrooms, to homeschoolers, parents and teachers jumped to register for the meaningful giveaway.
In the true spirit of the library itself, the free trees will grow alongside the children who plant them. Serving as a symbolic reminder and a physical actualization of the enrichment the library serves to provide.
It is no secret that Bonham is growing. Bonham's library is up to the task and fueled by its passionate employees. Among them is the newly appointed Library Director, Stacey McGraw. McGraw is a highly motivated and educated individual with niche skills in development that should serve her well as the visionary.
With no shortage of ideas for the library's future, McGraw invites Fannin residents to “come on out!” and see for yourselves all that the library has to offer.
“We are not a quiet library,” McGraw added, attesting to their uniquely vibrant and flourishing atmosphere.
Though many events cater to youth and families, the library proudly serves all ages, offering an impressive 27,000 items ready for you to explore.
“Everything inside this library has been given to us by donors,” Stacey stated, both a proud testament to the generosity of our community, and an invitation to come experience it.
Bonham Public Library is certainly more than your average run-of-the-mill library. It hosts a diverse variety of public amenities, such as a 3D printer, kids play corner, local artisan products, and frequent educational workshops. McGraw highlights that summer reading programs will be starting soon, and parents can come register their children in-person starting May 19.
Much like Free Trees for Kids demonstrates, Bonham Public Library is all about it's people - and how much it can bloom all depends on whether we decide to show up and receive all this library has to offer.
Fannin county residents can check out the library's ever-expanding events and material in person or online at cityofbonham.org
