Friends of the Coke County Library

06/08/2026

This week at Coke County Library.

Story time:
When: Wednesday, June 10th @ 10:30 AM
Who: Hosted by Erin Oleksiuk, District Technician from the Coke County Soil & Water Conservation District
What: We’re celebrating our local heritage! Erin will be reading the book ‘Real Cowboys’. After reading, the kiddos will have a fun, hands-on cowboy hat craft!

Youth:
When: Friday, June 12th @ 10:30 AM
Who: Hosted by Major Chris O'Connor (Air Force Evaluator Pilot) & Dianna O'Connor (former Career Enlisted Aviator and Aircraft Mechanic)
What: With a combination of military and civilian aviation experience, Chris and Dianna are bringing the world of aviation to life! Youth will learn about the science of aerodynamics, design and build their own paper airplanes, and even get the chance to try on a real flight helmet!

**While activities are tailored to these specific age groups, children of all ages are always welcome to join in on the fun!**

06/06/2026

Reminder:
The library will close at 11:00 today!

06/03/2026

06/02/2026

50 years ago today! Come and see our Charlie “Cowboy “ Walls display in the Coke County Library.

Fifty years ago today, a one-of-a-kind story unfolded in the canyons of Coke County in West Texas. The incident would inspire my novel “When Cowboys Die,” but it would also have tragic consequences.
On the Divide southwest of Robert Lee on June 2, 1976, a man walked up to a remote line shack, took a horse without permission, and rode away into rugged canyons. Who would have done such a thing in this day and time? Astronauts had walked on the moon, and even now satellites hurtled unseen across the sky.
I was 25, a reporter for the San Angelo Standard-Times, and when I was dispatched to the scene, I found a manhunt underway. The Coke County sheriff told me they were looking for 31-year-old Charlie Walls. Then a rancher mentioned an intriguing motive: “He’s always said he was born too late, that he should’ve lived a hundred years ago.”
For four days the search continued, as a cowboy-out-of-time challenged more than 20 law officers who scoured the jungled canyons by horseback, jeep, and helicopter. It was a mismatch, but not in the way one would expect.
The cowboy got away.
Ten days later and a thousand miles distant, a body was found beside the railroad tracks in San Bernardino, California. Charlie Walls had been struck and killed by a freight train under suspicious circumstances. The investigating Texas Ranger told me that he believed Charlie had been murdered—pushed into the train—but he couldn’t prove it.
Charlie’s unique saga led to my 1994 novel “When Cowboys Die,” which Western Writers of America named a finalist for its prestigious Spur Award. More recently, Texas Christian University Press reprinted the novel with a 50-page afterword recounting the true-life manhunt.
Today I remember Charlie and the impact that his death had on his four young children who grew up without a father.

06/01/2026

Come see us!

06/01/2026

Come visit your Coke County Library today!

9:00 AM: Doors open for the extended opening hours.

10:00 AM: Sock Monkey Circus performance begins.

11:30 AM: Sock Puppet Workshop.

2:00 PM: Closing time

Can’t make today? No worries! We’re open Tuesday-Friday 8-12 & Saturdays 9-1.

05/29/2026

Come See Your New Library!

We are thrilled to welcome you to Coke County Library on Monday, June 1!

Opening Day Perks & Giveaways
Goodie Bags: The first 50 kids through the door will score a summer reading goodie bag!
Inside, they'll find summer reading logs, a bookmark, upcoming events for summer and a free book!

Our New Coke County Historical Museum

For the adults, we are proud to unveil a dedicated room showcasing the incredible stories, people, and landscapes that shaped Coke County.

To mark the upcoming 50th anniversary of one of the most legendary real-life events in West Texas history, our featured opening display tells the gripping story of Charlie “Cowboy” Walls.

See the display for Patrick Dearen's fascinating book, When Cowboys Die, which was based on this intriguing real-life local event.

Schedule of Events
9:00 AM – Doors Open!
(Enjoy our special extended hours from 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM)

10:00 AM – Sock Monkey Circus
11:30 AM – Sock Puppet Workshop

701 Austin St, Robert Lee

Can’t make opening day? Don’t worry! We will be open Tuesdays-Fridays 8-12 & Saturday 9-1. Stop by anytime to browse the shelves and find your next favorite book, use our WiFi, log on to the computers or print all your needed documents. Kiddos can pick up summer reading logs all summer.

05/29/2026

Beyond the Books #4: Free Wi-Fi!

As part of our countdown, today we are highlighting one of our favorite everyday amenities: free, high-speed Wi-Fi available throughout the library.

How to Connect:
Step 1: Bring your favorite device (laptop, tablet, or phone).
Step 2: Open your Wi-Fi settings, select the library network and use our password.
Step 3: You are ready to surf, stream, or study!

We look forward to meeting you starting June 1st for our extended hours: 9am-2pm.

Normal Operating Hours:
Tues-Frid 8-12
Sat 9-1

05/28/2026

Beyond the Books #3: What’s in the Mystery Box?

We know you will love coming to the library to browse our latest titles, catch up on work, or use our computers. But we also know that keeping the kiddos entertained while you do that can sometimes be a challenge!

That’s why we are so excited to keep the kid’s section feeling new and exciting every single month!

Starting June 8th, we are introducing a rotating selection of hands-on, toys and activities.

These interactive activities are designed to spark curiosity, build problem-solving skills, and keep little hands busy while you take your time.

Wondering what this month's surprise is? You’ll have to drop by the kids' section starting June 8th to find out!

Don’t forget, June 1st is the official opening date! Extended Hours: 9am-2pm

Regular Hours will be:
Tues-Fri 8-12
Sat 9-1