Work is continuing on the Texas County Library project in the City of Houston. The project consists of the construction of a new library above the existing FEMA Safe Room in the City of Houston. The project is partially funded through the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) Community Revitalization Grant Program along with Texas County and the Library Foundation. The library is scheduled to be completed in the Summer of 2025.

The current 5,000 sq/ft library was built in 1950, expanded in 1970, and most areas are not ADA accessible. The library had no meeting space and limited table space. During the height of the pandemic, the CDC COVID spacing requirements could not be met. The building is constructed from concrete block which is not insulated which makes heating and cooling expensive. Not all areas in the library can be seen from the circulation desk, which has created some safety concerns.
 
This 7,200 sq ft project will provide a safe, climate controlled, disease free space to meeting the growing demand for computer, educational and library services in Houston area. In addition, The storm shelter level of the building would provide a large open 5,000 sq/ft day area to be used for expanding activities such as children's story time, summer reading programs, home school classes, and adult high school equivalency classes. The library floor plans include two meeting/study rooms, children's area, youth area, and a small business center. In total this will be 12,200 square feet of space for library activities. The large meeting area (440 sq/ft) which is more private, will be used for home schooling and adult reading classes. The small business area (216 sq/ft) will be scheduled for proctoring online college and entrance tests and as a study room for youth and young adults. Computer access would be provided for both children and adults with COVID required spacing for both children's and adult computers. (15 total planned) The largest dedicated area in the library would be the children's area (520 sq/ft). There is an unmet demand for preschool and children's learning activities in our community, this construction project will provide indoor space for year-round children's activities and educational youth and adult classes.

All features of the new library will be ADA compliant, all walkways and entrance areas in the building will have adequate CDC COVID spacing. Air purification systems to reduce disease transmission will be integral to all heating and air conditioning units placed in the building. Book shelving will be arranged so the circulation desk librarian will have a view of shelving and public areas. Building cameras will be installed to ensure the safety of all patrons, including children. Public restrooms will be available and ADA access parking and sidewalks will be included in the plan. The location of the new library adjacent to the Houston School campus is convenient for students and encourages students to use the new library.