|
|||||||||||||||
|
|
|||||||||||||||
|
|
Children’s authors, historians, musicians and Texas’ most popular cowboy poet helped welcome Azle’s new Memorial Library during a three day celebration last weekend.
Two ribbon cuttings – one hosted by the chamber and the other the city of Azle – marked the event for posterity.
And hundreds of area residents spent Friday, Saturday and Sunday celebrating what may be the city’s greatest gift ever. Mayor Russ Braudis said Friday night’s ribbon cutting ceremony was a chance for “reflection, for looking back” at what some generous citizens had managed to accomplish. A new 21,600 square-foot library now stands in what was once just green pasture. Braudis thanked the library’s benefactor, Janie Rector, her family and trusted steering committee members for turning the dream into reality. His words led to a round of applause for Rector and her family, many of whom were in attendance.
The city has had four different libraries – the last of which was located on Southeast Parkway next to City Hall. The new version, located at 333 W. Main St., is something generations of Azleites can use and be proud of for many years to come, he said. But it’s Azle’s spirit of community – of its willingness to work together – which most impresses him, Braudis said. “When there’s a need, we do something about it,” he said. “That’s what I love most about the people of Azle.” Rector said it took eight years to bring the ideas to reality. “This has been quite an adventure,” she said. Her son, Andy, formed a steering/planning committee to make plans for the new library. Initial members included Tony Haas, Laurie Howard, Genny Zapata, Deanna Smith and library director Judy Whitt. “The goal was quite high,” she said. “We wanted to build a facility that would inspire those who entered to seek knowledge and experience the joy of learning – and at the same time create an atmosphere that would encourage social interaction.” More than 30 libraries were visited as information was gathered to help build the “perfect” facility for Azle, she said. After 2-1/2 years and five notebooks full of photos, the committee was ready to make plans. She thanked architect Alan Magee for his creativity and his patience in working with the committee. After two years of planning, the library was ready to break ground. Pete Durant & Associates were hired as contractors. The final touches were added by the artists, including David Wiegend and his sculptors and Don Young Glass Studios which produced glass panels inside the library depicting Azle’s history. Deran Wright designed a large Heritage Oak display which recognizes library contributors. |
