The mission of the Corpus Christi Public Libraries is to improve literacy, enhance knowledge and create a sense of community by making information easily accessible to the public. In times of rapid technological changes and financial challenges, the library is focused on remaining a relevant part of the community and becoming a benchmark library system. The library provides services to the residen
ts of Corpus Christi through La Retama Central Library and five branches, two of which are joint facilities with independent school districts. In addition to traditional print collections, patrons also have access to Books-on-CD, DVDs, Blu-Rays, downloadable eBooks, eAudio, eMusic, eMagazines and a variety of online subscription services. Library users have access to a number of databases offered by the Texas State Library TexShare program. The Local History\Genealogy department at La Retama Central Library houses four distinct research collections: Texas and Local History, Genealogy (national and international) and the Hispanic Genealogy collection which is considered one of the most extensive in the state of Texas. Also housed in this department are historical archive collections related to the history of Corpus Christi and surrounding communities. Public access computers with internet, word processing, spreadsheet and presentation applications are a popular service offered at all library locations. Our libraries are popular Wi-Fi hot spots as individuals use their personal devices to connect to the City’s ConnectCC network. Non-profit groups have access to free meeting rooms. Ongoing programs for children and adults are offered at each of the five branch locations. Children’s programs consist of story time, arts and crafts, lap sit programs and special events such as the annual Library Festival and Summer Reading Program, STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) related programs for children are being emphasized to support learning through fun activities. Adult programs include book clubs, author visits, crafts, speaker presentations, and family feature films as well as activities for teens and tweens. www.cclibraries.com
