Rural libraries quietly anchor lively community connections. Inside them, the next chapter of small-town life is being written.
By Addie Broyles l Photos by Sarah Beal
A century ago, life in our rural communities was simpler. Family, church, school and community formed the foundation for small towns across the Bluebonnet Electric Cooperative region.
In the heart of those towns were libraries — quiet places where generations gathered to read, learn and enjoy the quiet company of a good book.
Current members will see a credit on their May electric bill
Bluebonnet Electric Cooperative will return $11.9 million in capital credits in 2026, an increase of $778,000 over last year. Bluebonnet’s members will see a reduction on their May electric bill as a result of the capital credits approved by the Board of Directors during its April meeting.
Bluebonnet-area students earn spots on the Government-in-Action Youth Tour, a weeklong leadership trip to the nation’s capital
By Connie Juarez
This summer, two Bluebonnet-area students will get a front-row seat to where history is made: Washington, D.C.
Emma Meachen and Emory Burton have been chosen to represent Bluebonnet Electric Cooperative for the Government-in-Action Youth Tour, a weeklong leadership program that introduces students to the inner workings of American government.
SCAM ALERT! Bluebonnet Electric Cooperative members have reported a recent increase in attempted phone scams.
These fraudulent activities include scammers posing as Bluebonnet employees demanding access to members’ property to inspect electric meters or review spikes in electricity use.
In recent reports, callers using a 210-area code claimed they needed to audit meters or check usage due to a spike in electricity use in the area. Members reported the callers were attempting to schedule visits to and insisting on access to their property.
Electric cooperatives across the country will celebrate National Lineworker Appreciation Day on Monday, April 13.
Join us in honoring the dedication of Bluebonnet Electric Cooperative’s lineworkers, who restore power and maintain electrical equipment to provide safe, reliable electricity to our communities.
Visit Bluebonnet’s social media pages that day to see a video recognizing their skill, commitment and teamwork in action.
From fridges that know what's inside to phone apps to control them, smart tech and AI are coming to home appliances
How smart are the newest appliances? If you can master their technology, they could be brilliant.
On the market — or coming soon — are refrigerators that know what’s inside and can tell you what food has expired, create a grocery list and suggest a recipe for dinner.
There are washing machines that can detect everything from fabric type to water hardness to the dirtiness of your clothes, then select the correct wash cycle.
What’s the right way to load a dishwasher? When is the thermostat set too high? Household appliances make life easier — and spark plenty of debate. Here’s what experts say about some of the most common appliance disagreements
THE THERMOSTAT BATTLE
“It’s too hot. I’m burning up!” “It’s freezing in here. I can’t stand it!”
Expert opinions: Someone isn’t going to like these answers — at least at first.
While some appliances have slimmed down, others still overindulge. Here’s the truth about the current coursing through your home’s devices
By Sharon Jayson
Chris and Michelle Birnbaum live about 6 miles outside Giddings in Lee County with two adult children in the 2,000-square-foot “barndominium” home they built in 2015. The metal barn-style buildings are known for open floor plans, affordable construction costs and energy efficiency.