Houston’s new library opened Monday after a Saturday afternoon of celebration to mark the completion of the project on First Street.
The $2.9 million facility covers about 7,200 square feet and greatly expands library services in the county. Private donations, grants and contributions from Texas County government via the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 funded the structure. It was a project of the Texas County Library Foundation, which noted more than $400,000 in contributions came from local residents and businesses. Many participated in the Neighborhood Assistance Program, which gives generous state tax credits. A few still remain.
Luckily, heavy rainfall and storms held off until after the event. Organizers said they were surprised by the size of the crowd with the threat of inclement weather. A short program led by Library Director Louise Beasley was held in the shelter, and tours and refreshments followed for two hours.
Rep. Bennie Cook, R-Houston, hailed the project as an example of cooperation between various entities, and he said it showed what was possible when community residents and their leaders work together. Cook marked the event with a proclamation from the Missouri House. He was joined at the event by another state leader, Janet Caruthers, state librarian.
Among others speaking were Texas County Presiding Commissioner Scott Long, Houston Mayor Sam Kelley, Library Foundation President Terry Jones; Gwen Ross, president of the five-member library board; and Kathy Richardson, a foundation member whose family worked on space dedicated to children.
Beasley, who joined the library as director just as the foundation was gearing up to begin the Houston branch work, highlighted the dedication of her small staff that moved more than 35,000 books from the former location on Walnut Street to the new home atop the Houston Storm Shelter. Friends of the Library members also provided lots of help. Other key players also were praised: Gentry Construction Co. Inc., the general contractor; Sapp Design Architects, the firm that designed the building; and members of the Richardson family, who helped create the Evelyn Dieckhaus Creative Center for children.