Library hours were expanded by 26 to 48 hours per week. The Lancaster Genealogical Society and the Friends of the Library are the sponsored library organizations. An Investment Club and Book Club were once viable. A Contemplative Garden was installed, and is maintained by the Friends of the Library. The Friends of the Library President, Dr. Mary Sykes, was honored as the NETLS Citizen of the Year in 2004, and was appointed to the NETLS Advisory Board.
Significant grants were obtained to upgrade computer and web technology, audiovisual technology, library automation technology, and network technology. With the assistance of program grants, the number of children’s programs doubled to accommodate the large turnout of children at the Summer Reading Club performances.
As a continuing participant in the State Library’s Loan Star grant program, the library is able to offer TexShare Cards to qualifying library patrons, permitting use of other Texas library’s collections. The Best Southwest Bookfest, the largest of its kind in the north Texas region, is a major annual project of the library, in collaboration with the public libraries in the Best Southwest Dallas County area, and with the University of North Texas, Dallas campus.
The library embraces local history and culture in many forms, but especially when displaying personal collections, available for short loan from local citizens, featured in the library’s glass enclosed display cases and art niches. The Lancaster Veterans Memorial Library celebrated its tenth year of operation in its new location in August 2011.