Nicholas P. Sims Library

Thumbnail Image of Nicholas P. Sims Library in Estates of Hidden Creek

If you’re looking for a place to live in Texas, you might want to consider Waxahachie, a charming city with a rich history and culture. One of the best places to visit in Waxahachie is the Nicholas P. Sims Library. This beautiful and historic building offers much more than books. In this blog, we’ll tell you why you should visit the library and what you can expect to find there.

History

The Nicholas P. Sims Library was founded in 1899 by Nicholas P. Sims, a prominent lawyer and philanthropist who donated his personal collection of books and $10,000 to establish a public library in Waxahachie. The library was initially housed in a small frame building on the courthouse square. Still, in 1905, it moved to its current location on West Main Street, a stunning neoclassical structure designed by architect C.D. Hill. The building features a grand entrance with four Ionic columns, a dome with a stained glass skylight, and a marble staircase. The library was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1978 and underwent a major renovation in 2003.

Welcome to the Library

The Nicholas P. Sims Library is not just a place to borrow books. It has an impressive collection of over 100,000 items, including fiction, nonfiction, audiobooks, DVDs, magazines, newspapers, and more. You can also access digital resources such as eBooks, eAudiobooks, eMagazines, and databases through the library’s website or app. The library also offers free Wi-Fi, computers, printers, scanners, copiers, and fax machines for public use.

But the library is more than just a place to read and study. It’s also a place to have fun. The library hosts various programs and events for all ages and interests throughout the year, such as storytimes, crafts, book clubs, movie nights, lectures, workshops, concerts, and exhibits. You can also join the Friends of the Library group or volunteer at the library to support its mission and services.

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Around the Library

The Nicholas P. Sims Library is conveniently located in downtown Waxahachie, where you can find many other attractions and amenities within walking distance. You can enjoy the historic architecture and murals of the city, shop at the antique stores and boutiques, dine at the restaurants and cafes, or relax at the parks and gardens. You can also visit the Ellis County Museum, the Ellis County Courthouse, the Chautauqua Auditorium, or the Texas Theater for more cultural and historical experiences.

Is the library active for any events?

The Nicholas P. Sims Library is not only active for its own events but also participates in many community events and festivals that take place in Waxahachie throughout the year. Some of these include:

  • The Gingerbread Trail: A tour of historic homes decorated with gingerbread in June.
  • The Crape Myrtle Festival: A celebration of the city’s official flower with a parade, carnival, concerts, and fireworks in July.
  • The Texas Country Reporter Festival: A showcase of Texas culture with arts and crafts vendors, food trucks, live music, and celebrity appearances in October.
  • The Candlelight Home Tour: A tour of historic homes illuminated by candles and Christmas lights in December.
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Tips for visitors

If you are planning to visit the Nicholas P. Sims Library, here are some tips to make your visit more enjoyable:

Are there any rules?

The library has rules you should follow to respect the staff, other patrons, and the facility. Some of these include:

  • Have a valid library card or ID to check out items or use computers.
  • Return or renew items on time to avoid fines or fees.
  • Keep your voice low and your phone on silent mode.
  • Do not eat or drink inside the library except in designated areas.
  • Do not smoke or vape inside or outside the library.
  • Do not bring pets inside the library except service animals.
  • Do not leave children under 10 years old unattended.

When is the best time to visit?

The library is open from Monday to Saturday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., except on holidays. The best time to visit depends on your preference and purpose. If you want to avoid crowds and noise, you might want to visit early in the morning or late in the afternoon. If you want to attend programs or events, you might want to check the library’s calendar or website for schedules and details.

Is it family-friendly?

The library is very family-friendly and welcomes visitors of all ages. It has a dedicated children’s area with books, toys, games, puzzles, computers, and a playhouse. The library also has a teen area with books, graphic novels, magazines, computers, and a gaming console. The library offers many programs and events for children and teens, such as storytimes, crafts, book clubs, movie nights, gaming sessions, and more.

Ready to meet Waxahachie?

The Nicholas P. Sims Library is a wonderful place to visit in Waxahachie, whether you are looking for books, information, entertainment, or education. The library has something for everyone and is a treasure for  the city’s history and culture. 

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A Trip Through Waxahachie Curious Stops: From College Street Pub to Estates of Hidden Creek

College Street Pub

210 N College St, Waxahachie, TX 75165, United States

  1. Head southwest on N College St toward Water St for 387 ft.
  2. Turn right onto W Main St. The destination will be on the right after 174 ft.

The Texas Theater

110 W Main St, Waxahachie, TX 75165, United States

  1. Head northwest on W Main St toward S Rogers St for 85 ft.
  2. Turn left onto S Rogers St and proceed for 0.1 mi.
  3. Turn left onto W Madison St and continue for 262 ft.
  4. Turn left onto S College St. The destination will be on the left after 75 ft.

Gingerbread Antiques

310 S College St, Waxahachie, TX 75165, United States

  1. Head northeast on S College St toward W Jefferson St for 194 ft.
  2. Turn left at the 1st cross street onto W Jefferson St and proceed for 0.1 mi.
  3. Turn left onto S Elm St and continue for 272 ft.
  4. Turn right onto W Madison St. The destination will be on the left after 180 ft.

Railport Brewing Company

405 W Madison St, Waxahachie, TX 75165, United States

  1. Head southeast on W Madison St toward S Elm St for 443 ft (approximately 44 sec).
  2. Drive along W Marvin Ave and Farley St for 2.8 mi (approximately 7 min).
    1. Turn left onto S Elm St and proceed for 0.4 mi.
    2. Continue onto Ferris Ave, passing by Valvoline Express Care on the left, for 0.3 mi.
    3. Turn right onto W Marvin Ave and continue for 0.6 mi.
    4. Turn left onto Farley St and proceed for 1.4 mi.
    5. Continue onto Broadhead Rd for 0.1 mi.
  3. Drive to your destination, which will take approximately 41 sec over a distance of 0.2 mi.
    1. Turn left and proceed for 0.2 mi.
    2. Finally, turn right and continue for 266 ft to reach your destination.

Waxahachie Sports Complex

151 Broadhead Rd, Waxahachie, TX 75165, United States

  1. Continue to Broadhead Rd for 0.2 mi (approximately 42 sec).
    1. Head southwest toward Broadhead Rd for 266 ft.
    2. Turn left and proceed for 0.1 mi.
  2. Take Farley St to N Gibson St, which is a distance of 2.3 mi (approximately 6 min).
    1. Turn right onto Broadhead Rd and continue for 0.1 mi.
    2. Continue onto Farley St for 1.5 mi.
    3. Turn right onto E Marvin Ave and proceed for 0.8 mi.
  3. Turn left onto N Gibson St and continue for 0.4 mi (approximately 1 min).
  4. Turn left onto W Main St and proceed for 0.2 mi (approximately 26 sec).
  5. Finally, turn right and continue for 52 ft (approximately 6 sec) to reach your destination.

Nicholas P. Sims Library

515 W Main St, Waxahachie, TX 75165, United States

  1. Head northwest toward W Main St for 0.0 mi.
  2. Turn right toward W Main St and proceed for 121 ft.
  3. Turn right toward W Main St again and continue for 52 ft.
  4. Turn left onto W Main St and proceed for 0.8 mi.
  5. Turn left onto S Grand Ave and continue for 0.2 mi.
  6. Continue onto W Main. The destination will be on the right after 0.1 mi.

Chautauqua Auditorium

Getzendaner Park, 400 S Grand Ave, Waxahachie, TX 75165, United States

  1. Head northwest on W Main toward Getzendaner Memorial Park for 0.2 mi.
  2. Turn left onto US-287 BUS N/W Main St and continue to follow US-287 BUS N for 0.9 mi.
  3. Turn right onto N Interstate 35 E Rd/N Interstate 35 East Service Rd and proceed for 0.3 mi.
  4. Continue straight to stay on N Interstate 35 E Rd/N Interstate 35 East Service Rd for 0.9 mi.
  5. Turn right onto Civic Center Ln and continue for 92 ft.
  6. Continue straight onto Alliance Blvd for 0.2 mi.
  7. Finally, turn left onto Rae Blvd. The destination will be on the left after 0.1 mi.

Poston Gardens

2000 Civic Center Ln, Waxahachie, TX 75165, United States

  1. Head southwest on Rae Blvd toward Alliance Blvd for 0.1 mi.
  2. Turn right onto Alliance Blvd and proceed for 0.2 mi.
  3. Turn right onto N Interstate 35 E Rd/N Interstate 35 East Service Rd and continue for 0.6 mi.
  4. Continue straight to stay on N Interstate 35 E Rd/N Interstate 35 East Service Rd for 2.2 mi.
  5. Take the exit toward Butcher Rd and continue for 0.1 mi.
  6. Turn right onto Butcher Rd and proceed for 2.0 mi.
  7. Finally, turn left onto Stonebriar Dr. The destination will be on the left after 446 ft.

Estates of Hidden Creek

Waxahachie, TX 75165, USA