[Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 96 (Monday, June 8, 2026)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E538-E539]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




      CELEBRATING THE GRAND OPENING OF THE ORRVILLE PUBLIC LIBRARY

                                  _____
                                 

                          HON. TERRI A. SEWELL

                               of alabama

                    in the house of representatives

                          Monday, June 8, 2026

  Ms. SEWELL. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to join with the City of 
Orrville and Dallas County community in celebrating the grand opening 
of the Orrville Public Library, which took place on Saturday, June 6, 
2026 in Orrville, Alabama.
  Public libraries are among our Nation's most invaluable institutions. 
They not only serve as gathering places where children can develop a 
love of reading, students can pursue academic achievement, and job 
seekers can gain critical skills, they also provide access to 
information and education that is essential for building strong 
communities and providing pathways to success. The grand opening of the 
Orrville Public Library represents a significant investment in the 
future of Orrville and Dallas County, creating a space where residents 
can access educational resources, technology, and community services.
  This achievement stands as a testament to the determination and 
collaborative spirit of local leaders, advocates, educators, and 
community members whose vision and dedication helped bring this long-
awaited project from concept to reality.
  On a personal note, the grand opening of the Orrville Public Library 
holds special significance to me. As a child, books were my window to 
the wider world. Through them, I traveled to distant places, 
encountered novel ideas, and considered new possibilities that helped 
shape who I am today. I know that I got my love of reading from my 
mother, Nancy Gardner Sewell, who served as a librarian for the Selma 
City School System for 36 years. She understood the transformative 
power of reading, and she taught me that libraries are more than just 
buildings, they are centers of learning and opportunity. For that 
reason, I was honored to secure $500,000 in the Fiscal Year 2023 
federal budget for the construction of this new municipal public 
library. I was also proud to donate a collection of curated books

[[Page E539]]

obtained through the Library of Congress Surplus Books program to 
ensure a robust set of reading materials as the library welcomes its 
first patrons. It is deeply gratifying to be present to see that vision 
realized in the library's grand opening.
  May the Orrville Public Library stand as a lasting symbol of what can 
be achieved when a community comes together around a shared vision. I 
commend everyone who contributed to making this project a reality and 
look forward to seeing the positive impact this institution will have 
on Orrville and Dallas County for future generations. Whether residents 
come to read their first story, complete a school project, explore a 
new career path, or simply find a welcoming place to learn and grow, 
this library will serve as a foundation for enrichment, opportunity and 
lifelong learning for years to come.
  On behalf of Alabama's 7th Congressional District, I ask my 
colleagues to join me in celebrating the grand opening of the Orrville 
Public Library.

                          ____________________