Tom, who represents the city library, updated the La Marque City Council on Aug. 5 about summer programming, materials funding and HVAC problems.

Tom said the library’s materials budget primarily comes from the county (Rosenberg Library), while a smaller city account funds summer reading incentives. "That account is... for the summer reading program—to buy incentives and prizes," Tom said; he added that county funding (about $32,000 this year) covers most materials purchases.

On programming, Tom reported roughly 20 youth completed the summer reading program and the library produced 33 programs drawing 205 participants; a separate summer camp ran 96 unique activities with average attendance of about 15 children. Library staff suggested a refundable deposit or nominal fee to boost attendance and retention; councilors proposed partnerships with the school district to coordinate with half‑day summer school schedules and discussed using internships or teen programming to increase participation.

Tom and councilors also raised building maintenance concerns: the library operates with multiple rooftop HVAC units, several of which are failing, and the roof has recurrent leaks. Interim city manager Holly said ARPA funds had been previously designated for air conditioner replacement and that earlier administrations prioritized police department units first and then planned to use leftovers for the library, Fire Station 2 and other city buildings. "There was money in the ARPA funds designated for air conditioners," Holly said. She asked staff to get quotes and confirm whether ARPA or other grant money could cover new units or roof work.

Councilors asked staff to follow up on multiple items: clarify funding sources for library materials; confirm ARPA or grant availability for HVAC and roof repairs; and work with the library on outreach and possible fee/deposit pilots to increase program attendance.

Next steps: staff will return with quotes for HVAC replacement and confirm ARPA availability; library and staff will explore a deposit/refund pilot and coordination with the school district.