Tobin Library

History :

Oakwell Branch Library was opened March 23, 1969. The site for this branch was donated to the City by Mr. Robert Lynn Batts Tobin in memory of his grandfather, Judge Robert Lynn Batts. City bond funds combined with Texas-Federal funds paid for the construction, parking, necessary fees and equipment. The 1969 book collection has been strengthened with funds provided by the Texas TX State Library under the terms of Title I of the Federal Library Services and Construction Act.

The original architect was Gerald M. Sellinger and the General Contractor was Leslie S. Hutton Construction Co. The original cost was $181,324.

Renovation of Oakwell Branch began December, 1994 and the branch was reopened on January 6, 1996. The funds to renovate and expand the existing building were authorized in the 1989 bond issue for library expansions, renovations, new branches, and literacy centers. Additional funding was from the Elizabeth Evelyn Beike eTX State. The cost of the renovation was $613,700 plus $24,799 for sound insulation modifications by Texas Window Specialties.

The Tobin land was named Oakwell Farms.