Timeline

1992

Harris County Commissioner Jim Fonteno began discussions with Councilmember Frank Mancusco of the City of Houston for a possible joint library to replace the Freeman Branch Library and fulfill the Houston Public Library’s long range plan to place a branch library in the Clear Lake area.

 

1993

Jim Hale, Vice President for Administration and Finance for the University of Houston at Clear Lake in a letter to Councilmember Mancusco and Commissioner Fonteno offered campus land for a proposed new library.

 

In September 1993, Commissioner Fonteno declined the City of Houston’s proposal for a joint library stating that the costs for Harris County over a 20 year period would be greater than the City’s contribution

 

1995

Councilmember Joe Roach asked Commissioner Fonteno to reopen negotiations for a cooperative effort between the City of Houston and Harris County.   Commissioner Fonteno requested that Catherine Park, County Librarian meet with Barbara Gubbin, Director of the Houston Public Library.

 

The two Library Directors met and it was realized that the City of Houston no longer had funds available to construct a new library.   The City proceeded with the design phase for a new 15,000 square foot library in Clear Lake.

 

1998

Mayor Lee P. Brown and Commissioner Fonteno resumed discussions on a joint library.

 

1999

Negotiations continued on the operations model for the new joint library.   It was decided that the City of Houston would contribute $5,900,000 for the construction of a new 40,000 square foot library and Harris County would contribute $2,000,000.   Harris County will operate the new library with an annual contribution from the City of Houston of $400,000 for a ten year period.

 

2000

Contract signed by the City of Houston and Harris County

 

2001

Gant Barnard Architects chosen to design the new joint library.

 

2002

Durotech, Inc. chosen as contractor for the construction of the new library

 

Groundbreaking ceremonies held on November 22, 2002

 

2003

Construction of the new library

 

2004

Grand Opening of the Library on June 8, 2004