[Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 84 (Wednesday, June 6, 2012)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E987]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




        CELEBRATING DENTON PUBLIC LIBRARY'S 75 YEARS OF SERVICE

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                        HON. MICHAEL C. BURGESS

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, June 6, 2012

  Mr. BURGESS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the Denton Public 
Library, an esteemed local institution, in celebrating 75 years of 
service to the whole Denton community. The three-branch library system 
currently provides a full online catalog and a web-based automation 
system that houses more than 240,000 items. It has also assisted the 
community by providing over 1,400,000 quality resources of educational, 
informational, and cultural value. To achieve this service, took a 
great deal of commitment.
  In 1914, the City Federation of Women's Clubs gave a report stating 
the clear need for a free public library for the City of Denton. 
Philanthropist Andrew Carnegie would contribute a building if the city 
contributed a location and maintenance for the building. When the City 
Council could not guarantee their support, Carnegie withdrew his offer.
  In the Depression Era, the federal government established the Works 
Progress Administration. One of its services was the sponsorship of 
school libraries. This program allowed the Denton County Schools 
Superintendent to employ Mattie Pyrene Wilson as the library supervisor 
and establish a program of interschool loans. In order to expedite the 
loans, a bookmobile service was inaugurated. Wilson opened a small 
3,000 volume library on the third floor of the courthouse and the bulk 
of the material was acquired through a $10 state teacher allowance and 
books donated by the Parent Teacher Association of Denton. In 1935, the 
Junior Shakespeare Club commenced a movement to combine the Denton 
County School Library with a public library. The club encouraged the 
county school board and the city and county commissions to join 
together to support a library that would be free to all citizens of 
Denton County. The club also conducted a book drive and collected more 
than 4000 books to initially stock the proposed library; the city 
commission donated $600 for the purchase of new books and the county 
agreed to furnish shelves, equipment and utilities. Finally, Denton's 
first public library opened on June 6, 1937. Over the years, the 
library has expanded to meet the needs of a growing population. There 
are now three locations and over 75,000 square feet of space dedicated 
to readers and researchers.
  The Denton Public Library has positively influenced the community of 
Denton, serving young and old alike with a foundation of knowledge. 
With the support of the citizens of Denton, the library will continue 
to flourish and provide resources to broaden intellectual and creative 
horizons. It is my pleasure to recognize the Denton Public Library for 
75 years of service and this significant milestone in its history. I am 
privileged to represent the City of Denton in the U.S. House of 
Representatives.

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