ECTOR COUNTY, Texas — It's official - the Ector County Library is getting a new building in Downtown Odessa.
The library has been a part of the Odessa community for nearly 90 years, but it has not been an easy journey.
"We have experienced some major HVAC issues and so there's been flooding down there, and technical services staff had to move out for months and building maintenance was called in,” said Ector County Library Director Howard Marks.
One thing has been clear, the building itself was never intended to be a library. However, change is on the horizon.
“We want to dispel the myth that 'we are here, we’re ready to serve you, we’re welcoming,' and the sky is the limit," Marks said.
At Ector County Commissioners Court on Tuesday, Ector County approved a $58 million project to build a new library in Downtown Odessa.
From kid zones to meeting rooms, the 54,000-square-foot building will have something for everyone.
“Its for the people, we feel every citizen deserves this, it’s something they’ve been waiting for," Marks said.
This project has been three years in the making with many talks, brainstorms and public weigh-ins along the way.
A new and improved Ector County Library will not only make the area a premier destination, but it will also stand as a pillar for the entire community to enjoy.
The next phase is fundraising for construction, which is expected to begin in January of 2025. Doors to the new Ector County Library are expected to open in January of 2027.