A New Building for a New Century of Service to Texans
Renovating the Lorenzo de Zavala State Archives and Library Building
When the Lorenzo de Zavala State Archives and Library Building opened its doors in 1961, it was the epitome of modern design. The granite, limestone, terrazzo, and bronze surfaces lent opulence and a stature quite fitting to the priceless historical treasures the building would house and protect. Unfortunately, time didn’t stop, nor did its ravages. Fast-forward 45 years. The once state-of-the-art building has not undergone even a single major renovation.
Today, the Texas State Library and Archives Commission faces significant challenges due to the building’s deficiencies—challenges that affect the library’s ability to serve its customers. There is not one square inch of available archival storage space to be found. Acquisitions of precious historical collections must be stored offsite in a warehouse facility that does not have the proper environmental controls to protect archives, which require consistent cool temperatures and very low humidity. Space inefficiencies create service inefficiencies as well as inconveniences to customers. In addition, the mechanical and electrical systems have long outlived their life expectancies.
In the last issue of Friends Forecast, we reported that the 79th Texas Legislature authorized $15.3 million in bond financing to renovate and expand the Lorenzo de Zavala State Archives and Library Building. Bailey Architects of Houston has designed a space fitting for a 21st century library. The primary goal is to provide for 20 years of archival growth. Secondary goals included creating an efficient, inviting space for the public, and modernizing the building with needed technology, additional natural light, and better security.
If you’ve ever been involved in a capital campaign for your library, you know that the price tag is nearly always larger than the budget. The architectural team used every possible measure to maximize the existing structure and save unnecessary expenses, but the price tag is tentatively set at $37 million at the time of printing. That’s more than double the bond authority granted by the legislature. If no additional funding is raised, we can only expect enough archival storage space to allow for five years of growth. After the replacement of the mechanical systems, there will be only minor, superficial changes to the rest of the building.
The Texas State Library and Archives Commission, working in partnership with the Friends of Libraries & Archives of Texas, is beginning a capital campaign to realize the complete renovation of our flagship building for the people of Texas.
The State Library needs your help!
Imagine what could be possible in a state-of-the-art state library. Imagine the message it would send to all Texans, that the state deeply cares about its history, about the education of its citizens and about equal opportunity access to needed information and resources. Imagine dedicating a newly renovated state library by 2009, when the Texas State Library and Archives Commission will celebrate its 100th birthday.
There are three ways you can help make the dream a reality.
1. Make a donation. Send your tax-deductible donation to the Friends of Libraries & Archives of Texas. Mark “capital campaign” on your check.
2. Volunteer your time. The building committee needs volunteers from throughout the state to implement the campaign. Find out more by calling 512-463-5514.
3. Send us your ideas. Perhaps you’ve participated in a building campaign or other successful fundraising effort. Help us avoid mistakes by sending your best practices and other fundraising ideas to the Friends. We will publish the best ones in a future issue of Friends Forecast to benefit all Friends groups.
This is an exciting time for your state library and archives. We hope you will be a part of it.
How to Donate
Email the Friends