[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 103 (Friday, July 10, 2009)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1713]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




      HONORING THE PUBLIC SERVICE AND RETIREMENT OF KATHY MELSTON

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. RALPH M. HALL

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                         Friday, July 10, 2009

  Mr. HALL of Texas. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor a true public 
servant who has dedicated her life to promoting reading and library 
use, Ms. Kathy Melston, who recently retired as Library Director of the 
Rockwall County Library in my hometown.
  Early on, Kathy recognized the emerging need for adult literacy. As a 
result, the award-winning Reading for Adults program was established in 
2000. This program has grown from two students and five tutors to 68 
volunteer tutors and 300 students, of which many have earned GEDs and 
their citizenship through this process. The innovative ``Rock and 
Read'' fundraiser supporting the program won the literacy award from 
the Texas State Reading Association.
  Kathy is accredited by many for promoting bond propositions to 
purchase land and construct a new state-of-the-art library in Rockwall. 
County Commissioner Lorie Grinnan maintains that with Kathy's 
intelligence, extensive knowledge base and dedication, she has been 
able to steer Rockwall County through a time of tremendous growth and 
change. Kathy's belief that the main purpose of a library is to serve 
its community has been the foundation of the loyalty and dedication of 
her staff, volunteers and the Friends of the Library.
  During her 20 years as Library Director, Kathy has provided vision, 
enthusiasm, and results in Rockwall County. She was named the Rockwall 
Soroptimist Professional Woman of the Year, served on several RISD 
committees, and was President and Secretary of the Public Library 
Administrators of North America. She is a member of Delta Kappa Gamma 
and is a Lector and Eucharistic Minister at her church.
  Kathy's recent retirement is bittersweet for those who know, love and 
respect her. They are happy for this new phase of her life which will 
be filled with travel, home projects, volunteering and a chance to read 
all of the books for which she will finally have the time. But, at the 
same time, they feel some distress at the loss of personal connections 
established between Kathy and the library patrons.
  In September, at the grand opening of the new library, many noticed a 
large corner spot with a beautiful view, filled with flowers and cards 
with a brass plaque on the door identifying the Kathleen Melston Quiet 
Reading Room. This tribute from staff, friends and volunteers 
recognizes Kathy's enormous impact on the community.
  Madam Speaker, I am proud to join the Rockwall County Library, 
Friends of the Library, and Rockwall citizens in congratulating Ms. 
Kathy Melston on her retirement. I can't think of a better testament to 
public service than educating tomorrow's leaders, and Ms. Melston is to 
be commended for her commitment to the advancement of reading literacy. 
Please join me in honoring her on this prestigious occasion.

                          ____________________