Nicholas P. Sims Library and Lyceum

Nicholas P. Sims Library and Lyceum Logo

Basic Information

Established: 1905
Schedule: Tuesday: 9:30-8, Wed-Friday: 9:30-6, Saturday: 9:30-2:30
Address: 515 W. Main Street Waxahachie, TX 75165
Phone Number: 972-937-2671
Director: Barb Claspell, MLIS

Action Shots

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Additional Information

Computer Capabilities:

internet, Office programs, technology areas for adults, teens, and children. Printing offered at $.25/page, fax service available for $2.00 + $1.00 per page, copier available for $.25 per page.
A Sims Library card is required to use a library computer and all patrons must abide by the Computer and Internet Policy. For those under 18 years old, a parent must be present to fill out the computer access forms.

Education Programs: story times, ESL for adults, computer classes for adults, genealogy assistance, kid's crafts, various book clubs, homeschool activities. Please see the library website calendar of events, or Facebook page for information on events and programs offered.
Summer Programs: Summer reading programs available for children, teens, and adults. Must have a valid Sims Library card to be eligible for prizes. Please see the library website calendar of events, or Facebook page for information on events and programs offered during the summer.
Membership Details:

Library cards are free to households within the city limits. A $35.00 annual fee is required for those households that are not in the Waxahachie city limits. The fee covers all persons at the same address, in the household. Please bring a valid ID with current address when applying for a library card. Other accepted forms to prove residence in the city limits include utility bills, lease agreements, or home purchase papers. Month-to-month lease agreements will not accepted.

Library Information:

Library Hours

Tuesday 9:30-8 PM
Wednesday - Friday 9:30- 6 PM
Saturday 9:30-2:30 PM

The Children's library, Teen Lair, and Reference/Genealogy departments close fifteen minutes early each day. Library cards will NOT be issued 30 minutes before closing.

Library History:
  • Nicholas P. Sims donated his estate to build a public library for Waxahachie
  • Library was built during 1903-1904
  • Land was donated by Waxahachie's first Mayor, Capt. W.H. Getzendaner
  • Library site was once known as Getzendaner Park
  • Opened to the public April 26, 1905
  • One of the first public libraries built in Texas
  • One of the first privately endowed libraries in Texas

S. Weymes Smith of Ft. Worth was the original architect. The original building featured a classical Renaissance style with Doric columns. The central unit features white Vermont marble, a pressed tin ceiling, a curved bay window, and winding staircase. Sims library has many of the original pieces of furniture and book collection dating back nearly 100 years.