Our Wharton Location

One of the goals of the Wharton County Library is to provide the county population with a well-trained staff that offers excellent customer service. In order to reach the high customer service, the Library offers residents necessary technology tools and services, such as, an updated Library Website, study rooms, public computers, as well as printing, copying, and scanning services.

Wharton Main Library is the largest branch of the Wharton County Library System; and serves as the Headquarters where all major library operations are conducted; such as: acquisitions, cataloguing, processing, weeding, and collection development. As a result of these operations, ready to use library materials are delivered to branches in order to serve their communities. The Main Library also serves as a storage facility for all office supplies and materials. It is really a busy “working” Branch.

The offices of the Library Administration are located at the Main Library.

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Meet OUR TEAM

Our Wharton location team consists of the Library Director, Assistant Director, Bookkeeper, Acquisitions Librarian, Reference Librarian, Children’s Librarian, and Circulation Librarian along with two part-time librarians who are our best helpers with shelving the collection.
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Elene Gedevani - Director of the Wharton County Library System

My name is Elene Gedevani. Prior to coming to the WCL in 2013, I was Director of the Art Institute of Houston Library where students were seeking creative careers though higher education.

At present, as a Library Director of the Wharton County Library System and being in management for more than 30 years, I still very much enjoy what I do. Do you know why? Because the most important part of my job is interacting with people, whether it is inside the Department (Library staff), or outside – serving the County residents. This is definitely the main reason that gives me joy at work.

I am very proud of the work we do to provide various literacy initiatives for children and adults in order to benefit the residents of the Wharton County.

As many other professions, Librarianship is enjoyable, exciting & interesting. What could be more enjoyable when you see that your team is strongly motivated and dedicated to serve more and more Library patrons in the community!

And… I like questions, so, PLEASE ask!

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Gloria Barrera – Assistant Library Director, Wharton County Library system

As Assistant Director of the Wharton County Library System, my role is to assist the Library Director in overseeing all aspects of the library system.  I provide guidance and leadership to all staff within the four branches of the library system. I maintain all staff schedules as well as participate in decision making for all major projects in maintenance related to buildings, and technology, including those for each library branch. My position allows me to be involved in all daily operations of the library system, from administration, circulation, programs, cataloguing, collection development, training, and most importantly customer service. 

Wharton County Library System strives to maintain excellent customer service not only to the residents of Wharton County but also to those just passing through the area. 

“Small Town Library, Big Time Books”
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Michelle Rieger – Acquisitions, Wharton County Library system

Hi everyone!  My name is Michelle.  I am your “Acquisitions Librarian”.  I order all your books, DVD’s, and audio books for all branches of the Wharton County Library System.  Not only do I order, but I also unload all shipments, catalog books, and sometimes, help out on processing them.

I also worked the front circulation desk as “Circulation Librarian” for 10 ½ years and really enjoyed serving the Library patrons. I decided I was ready to conquer a new challenge and 4 years ago I was promoted to the Acquisitions Librarian.

Even though I work behind the scenes, I am still available to come up and visit with patrons, just ask for me.

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Rhonda Mason - Bookkeeper /Circulation Librarian Wharton Main Branch

My name is Rhonda L Mason., the newest member of the Wharton County Library System.

Before joining the Library as the Accountant/Circulation Librarian, I have spent the last 22 years in the University of Texas at Austin and in Corporate accounting here, in Wharton.  As a wife, mother, and grandmother, I have enjoyed all that the Library system has to offer, from a good book to the Summer Reading Programs and activities.

As an Accountant of the entire Library system of 4 branches, I am in charge of all accounting of the Library payables and grant funding. I manage the daily payables and keep track of all incoming and outgoing funds.  At the same time, being the 2nd Circulation Librarian, I get the pleasure of assisting, talking, and meeting exceptional members of our community. In both roles, I enjoy to interact with many people, local, and throughout the country.  I look forward too many new experiences and getting to know our patrons.

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Jessica Garcia - Children’s Librarian, Wharton County Library, Wharton Main Branch

My name is Jessica Garcia and I initially began working at the library as a part-time shelver. I was excited to be able to join the team full-time as the Children’s Librarian, though my predecessor is definitely a tough act to follow.

I previously worked as a substitute teacher and AVID tutor for WISD and most recently spent 5 years working in mental health as a Life Skills Specialist. Reading is such an important part of early childhood development and I am grateful to be able to play a role in helping children lay the foundation for their love of literature. Maintaining the habit of reading is just as important so I look forward to creating opportunities for teens and young adults to get involved in the library and share their interests with peers.

Seeing families connect over stories and art is my favorite part of the job and I enjoy helping patrons find books to suit their individual tastes. I look forward to connecting with our community and sharing the amazing resources we have in the children’s section.

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Lulu Meek – Circulation Librarian, Wharton Main Branch

Hello everyone! I’m Lulu, your Circulation Librarian. I love greeting each person and making sure they have a pleasant library experience. I help them find information and services to get them on with their lives. Human interaction is an important value. Having conversations with patrons about how the library makes a difference in their lives is the most fulfilling part of being a librarian. I truly believe in our slogan…Small Town Libraries, Big Time Books!
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Yvonne Lijffijt-Ploum – Reference Librarian, Wharton Main Library

My name is Yvonne Lijffijt-Ploum. My job includes many duties: researching information, answering computer/printer questions, assisting patrons at the copier, updating Facebook and our website with activities or news about our library, or finding the requested books in our library or other libraries in Texas. All of these job duties have one thing in common: they give me an opportunity to help people. Helping our patrons is my favorite part of being a Reference Librarian!
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Theresa Martinez –Shelver, Wharton Main Library

As a part-time shelver for Wharton County Library, I am responsible for shelving and sorting all library materials, assisting patrons with questions such as location of materials, covering books, and assisting at the circulation desk. I sort the newspapers, discard or donate the old issues and assist patrons at the computers as needed. My favorite part of the job is coming up with ideas for creating an enjoyable view of the bulletin board for our patrons. I strive to provide good customer service to our patrons so they will continue to visit the library. These are just some of the things I like about working at Wharton County Library.
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Allison Ezell –Shelver, Wharton Main Library

Hi, my name is Allison Ezell. I am a part-time shelver at the Wharton County Library. I do indeed shelve books, but I also shelve and organize materials such as magazines, newspapers, DVDs, CDs, and much more. Not only that, but my tasks include helping at the circulation desk, covering books, and most importantly helping patrons with their questions and concerns. On top of working here at the library I am also attending college to get my degree in mathematics. Math is my go-to subject, but I have a great passion for reading and the library. My goal as an employee at the Wharton County Library is to bring joy to the patrons and to help with anything that is needed.

Our Hours
of operation

Contact Us Today!
Monday: 9:30am – 8:00pm
Tuesday: 9:30am – 8:00pm
Wednesday: 9:30am – 6:00pm
Thursday: 9:30am – 6:00pm
Friday: 9:30am – 6:00pm
Saturday: 9:30am – 3:00pm
Sunday: Closed

Address

1920 N. Fulton Street
Wharton, Texas 77488

Phone

979-532-8080

Services

Children's Programs:
Preschool Storytime (ages: infants-age 4)
Mondays 10:00a.m. - 10:30 a.m.
 
Lego Club
Every Third Thursday of the month 4:30p.m.-5:45p.m.
 
Special Services:
Friends of the Library Bookstore
Meeting Room/ Conference Room
Study Rooms
Public Access Computers/Wi-Fi
Photocopier (.10 for b/w copy, .50 for color copy)

    Library Info

    Services

    How to…

    Get in touch!

    Wharton County Library
    1920 North Fulton,
    Wharton, Texas 77488

    Wharton Main Library
    Phone: 979-532-8080
    egedevani@whartonco.lib.tx.us
    gbarrera@whartonco.lib.tx.us