[Congressional Record Volume 165, Number 69 (Monday, April 29, 2019)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E500]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




            REMEMBERING THE LIFE AND LEGACY OF CLYDE SCOLES

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                           HON. MARCY KAPTUR

                                of ohio

                    in the house of representatives

                         Monday, April 29, 2019

  Ms. KAPTUR. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize that during the 
Spring season of new life our community came together to memorialize 
the life's work of Clyde Scoles, director of the Toledo Lucas County 
Public Library. Unexpectedly passed from this life on February 15, his 
colleagues and community eulogized him on Saturday April 13 in a 
special ceremony at the new home of Toledo's Mott Branch Library.
  Friend and mentor to thousands of people of all ages, he worked 
creatively and tirelessly to advance our library system in Toledo and 
Lucas County to be the heartbeat of learning for people of all ages and 
backgrounds regardless of income or circumstance. His gentlemanly and 
learned demeanor drew people to him and he advanced the cause of 
learning for everyone across our region. What a privilege it has been 
to know him and to work with him as he drove learning and community 
down to the neighborhood level.
  The Columbus Dispatch, Mr. Scoles' hometown newspaper, and the Toledo 
Blade, his adopted home's newspaper, encapsulated his life thusly:

       ``Clyde Scoles, passed away, unexpectedly on Friday, 
     February 15, 2019 at the age of 69. Originally from Columbus, 
     Ohio, he and his family have lived in the Toledo area since 
     1978. Hard working and conscientious, Clyde focused his 
     energies on serving the people of Lucas County, Ohio. 
     Tirelessly, first as Associate Director and then as the 
     Director of TLCPL, he continued the work of previous 
     visionary Library directors to broaden consensus and build 
     community outreach. By renovating the Main Library, his goal 
     was to bring 21st Century function and capabilities to an 
     already outstanding resource. Mr. Scoles was a distinguished 
     leader of the community and well known throughout the area, 
     accumulating many awards for his contributions and service to 
     the Lucas County public. He was also a well known and 
     respected professional throughout the Library world. His 
     experience and participation in local, state and national 
     Library events will be missed. But it is by his family that 
     he will be most missed. His love for them was foremost always 
     in his mind and heart and will remain with them forever. He 
     is survived by numerous family and friends.''

  Clyde Scoles was a library champion, guardian of literacy, passionate 
leader, friend and mentor to many. The premiere Toledo Lucas County 
Library system is his legacy to our community and the world, opening up 
dreams and pathways to people young and old. In this time of rebirth 
and new beginnings, we celebrate this remarkable man and the catalogue 
of his life. To his family and friends carrying forward following his 
unexpected passing, we wish peace and comfort as we remember Clyde 
Scoles' extraordinary gifts.
  As the new Mott Branch Library is dedicated I cannot help but think 
that future generations will wonder and admire the structure and think 
about those who dedicated their lives to the advancement of a free 
people.

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