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Courtesy Xochitl Mora,

After closing doors of previous branch due to structural issues in 2006, new building promises to be state-of-the-art facility that will promote reading

After structural issues with the building forced the closure of the south branch library in 2006, South Laredo had been without the services or facility of a true library in the area.  Making this a priority, the Laredo City Council allocated $2.175 million in 2006 Certificates of Obligation Bonds, as well as an additional $4,030,700 needed for construction.  “I’m so happy that my colleagues on council were committed to not only bringing back the south branch library, but also, funding various activities that promote reading,” said District I Council Member Mike Garza, in whose district the south branch library will reside.  “This library is for the community, the entire Laredo community, who fill find much more than just books there; they will find opportunity there.”

This two-story 20,000 square foot facility will be located at the corner of Palo Blanco and Zapata Highway in South Laredo. The new branch library will feature plenty of comfortable seating throughout the building, areas conducive to reading and learning: a special children’s library, with a cozy story-hour “niche;” a pull down screen for movies; a puppet stage; an arts and craft room; a Teen Café for teenagers; a community room for neighborhood events; a classroom; study rooms; and two state-of-the art computer labs with over 70 computers and wireless Internet throughout the building.  

It will be fully ADA accessible with plenty of parking. Services such as ESL classes, GED classes, computer/Internet access and classes; a broader range and larger collection of books and DVDs for check out; children’s story hours; summer reading and arts and crafts programs; homework help; reference materials; free tax assistance; and many more programs will once again be provided to the citizens of South Laredo. Additionally, State Representative Ryan Guillen, who represents a portion of South Laredo, will also have a district office in the new South Laredo branch library, to better serve his constituents.

The design contract was awarded to Architects Plus, Inc., and the construction contract was awarded to Modern Construction, Inc., both of Laredo, Texas.  Construction is to be completed in 265 working days, with the first book to be checked out in mid September 2011.

The City of Laredo is also constructing another branch library, to be part of the NorthWest Recreation Center, which broke ground in August of this year.  The Friends of the Library are currently trying to raise $250,000 to purchase books for the two new branch libraries.  The Fernando A. Salinas Trust has generously agreed to match up to $250,000 of all donations made for this project.

Thursday, October 14, 2010               11:00 a.m.            U.S. Highway 83 and Palo Blanco