The final touches have been added, books are on the shelves after a multi-week move and a new asphalt parking lot is completed.
The Texas County Library in downtown Houston will host an open house from 1 to 3 p.m. this Saturday on First Street. A short ceremony starts at 1 p.m.
The library will officially open the following Monday (Oct. 20) for business in a facility that more than doubles its space after 75 years on Walnut Street. Upon arrival, visitors will first see a massive open area featuring high ceilings, an abundance of glass and special lighting features. A computer center for public access is included near the entry. Other amenities in the building include a business center for entrepreneurs, a large conference room with technology and expanded workspace for employees.
Volunteers have spent the last three years consumed in the project, which is a $2.9 million outlay paid by grants obtained by the Texas County Library Foundation and private donations with some support from the Texas County Library system. Governmental entities joined hands to support the project that was first conceived about 15 years ago as the top level of the then-new Houston Storm Shelter. Gentry Construction Co. Inc. of Houston was the general contractor and Sapp Design Architects in Springfield was the architectural firm. Texas County Foundation Inc. led the effort, working with the governing board, the Texas County Library board of trustees.
A special feature of the library is the Evelyn Dieckhaus Creative Center, a wing for children. Specialized commissioned exhibits and final cabinetry were installed last week for the children’s section, and some final furniture was installed. It serves as a memorial to the 9-year-old girl who was lost in a school shooting in Tennessee in 2023. She was a frequent visitor to Houston, and her grandparents are Joe and Kathy Richardson. Members of her family will gather this weekend locally for a private ceremony.
The public can tour the building, and refreshments are planned.
