Nicholas P. Sims Library and Lyceum

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.

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 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.

• 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.