[Congressional Record Volume 146, Number 142 (Wednesday, November 1, 2000)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E2047-E2048]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         HONORING CLAYLA DAVIS

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. MIKE THOMPSON

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, November 1, 2000

  Mr. THOMPSON of California. Mr. Speaker, today I honor Ms. Clayla 
Davis for her 41 years of dedicated service to the people of Napa 
County, California. Ms. Davis is retiring on December 31st of this year 
from an exceptional 25-year career as Director of the Saint Helena 
Public Library.
  Ms. Clayla Davis has lived in Napa County for most of her life. Prior 
to being hired as Director of the Saint Helena Public Library in 1975 
she distinguished herself in several posts at the Napa City-County 
Library.
  Ms. Davis shepherded the Saint Helena Public Library through several 
difficult transitions. Soon after taking over she oversaw an ambitious 
expansion plan to move the library into a new building. When a series 
of budget cuts in 1978 imposed a 29 percent funding reduction midway 
through construction, Ms. Davis rescued the project through a series of 
sort-term fiscal austerity measures. In the 1990s Ms. Davis saw the 
library through two major remodeling and expansion efforts, effectively 
doubling its size.
  Ms. Davis was instrumental in modernizing Saint Helena library 
resources. She led the library into the computer age; from one computer 
to aid circulation to comprehensive resource integration throughout the 
library. Furthermore, Ms. Davis was instrumental in the development of 
Solano, Napa, and Partners (SNAP); a library consortium that provides 
patrons in two countries with shared data base and efficient 
interlibrary loan services.
  Ms. Davis cultivated a strong ``Friends of the Library'' organization 
which succeeded in raising over $2 million for building projects and 
capital funds. Ms. Davis also established a partnership with the Napa 
Valley Wine Library

[[Page E2048]]

Association, increasing the library's extensive collection of wine-
related books and other resource materials into a nationally recognized 
collection.
  Ms. Davis' commendable career was marked by exceptional customer 
service as a librarian and Director. A friendly atmosphere and superior 
service prevailed in both libraries where she worked, a result of her 
positive outlook that was contagious among her staff. Ms. Davis was 
particularly attentive to the needs of children and families, ensuring 
a welcoming atmosphere of warmth and curiosity for every visit.
  In addition to her considerable contributions to the public library, 
Ms. Davis has been a dedicated wife, mother and grandparent. She and 
her husband Buz have been blessed with three children and several 
grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
  Mr. Speaker, it has been my great honor to represent Ms. Clayla Davis 
as her Congressman. Clearly, her life has been one of great public 
service, dedication and commitment. For these reasons, it is necessary 
that we honor this woman for her distinguished service to the people of 
Saint Helena and all of Napa County, California.

                          ____________________