Saturday is the deadline to be included on the Houston library branch’s donor tree that is included as part of the facility.
A minimum donation of $500 allows anyone to place their name or that of a business on the tree designed by a Springfield firm. Some also have chosen to recognize parents and other persons special in their lives.
The library at First and Pine streets is set for completion later this year, but the designers of the donor tree must have the names to complete the project before opening. That is why a deadline is Saturday.
The $2.8 million project covers 7,200 square feet, which is twice the space of the current library, located at its Walnut Street site since 1950. There are several new features: A children’s section that is a project of the family of Evelyn Dieckhaus, a business center to aid local entrepreneurs and a community meeting room with coffee bar. Public access space also is available for those needing internet access.
Gentry Construction Co. Inc. of Houston is the general contractor.
Exterior work on the front of the building continues. Members of the Texas County Library Foundation met last week to make decisions, including furnishings for the conference room, and hear updates on construction.
Anyone who would like to help can send a tax-deductible donation to: Texas County Library Foundation, 117 W. Walnut, Houston, Mo. 65483 or drop it by the library. For additional information, call the library at 417-967-2258.
There also are some Neighborhood Assistance Program tax credits available. Eligible donors receive a 70-cent tax credit for each $1 donated. Additionally, there is also deductibility on federal tax returns.