[Congressional Record Volume 171, Number 28 (Tuesday, February 11, 2025)]
[House]
[Pages H621-H622]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




             CONGRATULATING HIGHLAND COUNTY PUBLIC LIBRARY

  (Mr. CLINE asked and was given permission to address the House for 1 
minute and to revise and extend his remarks.)
  Mr. CLINE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the Highland 
County Public Library as it celebrates 50 years of service.
  In 1975, James H. Bowen petitioned the board of supervisors to 
establish a local library. Initially, it operated as a

[[Page H622]]

branch of the Botetourt-Rockbridge Regional Library in the Highland 
Masonic Building. By 1981, rising costs and a desire for independence 
led the library to become an independent institution. Community members 
were determined to give the library a permanent home.
  In 1982, the Mountain View Extension Homemakers Club contributed 
$500, sparking a successful fundraising campaign that raised $65,000 by 
1986. In 1987, the community's dream became a reality with the opening 
of a new library building. For decades, the library has been a 
cornerstone of the community.
  Much of the library's success is thanks to former member and 
volunteer Margaret ``Peggy'' Bird, who has been a guiding force for 
nearly its entire history and remains a supporter to this day. The 
library has been led by just three directors: Mary Richardson, Pat 
Shield, and current director, Tomi Herold, who has led the library for 
the past 25 years.

  I congratulate the Highland County Public Library for its 50 years of 
service and wish them many more.

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