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78S40659 KO-D

By:  Wise                                                         H.R. No. 117



R E S O L U T I O N
	WHEREAS, The Weslaco Public Library's summer reading program 
received national attention at the Center for Summer Learning 
conference sponsored by Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore, 
Maryland, March 18-19, 2004; and
	WHEREAS, Library Director Virginia Allain traveled to the 
Baltimore meeting to present a session called "Success Stories from 
Reading Is Fundamental," which focused on the Weslaco library's 
lauded summer reading program; one of hundreds of Reading Is 
Fundamental grant recipients in the country, the Weslaco program 
was singled out to be featured at the "Summer Learning for All: 
Programs, Policy, and Research" conference; and
	WHEREAS, Incorporating two book giveaways each summer that 
provide free books to approximately 1,000 children, the Weslaco 
library uses reading mentors and a wide array of activities 
designed to improve children's reading skills; while most library 
summer reading programs focus only on children, the Weslaco library 
restructured its program to include the whole family, and each 
summer hundreds of parents, grandparents, teens, and toddlers 
participate in its reading and library activities; and
	WHEREAS, The Weslaco Public Library summer reading program 
has benefited from grants from numerous organizations, including 
Rotary International, the Viburnum Foundation, the First Lady 
Family Literacy program, the Texas Book Festival, and the Friends 
of the Library; other factors that Ms. Allain has credited for the 
success of the library's programs are the support of local 
businesses and professionals, the Weslaco Independent School 
District, a dedicated staff, and a city government that recognizes 
the importance of improving literacy and increasing interest in 
reading in the community; and
	WHEREAS, Established in 1948, the Weslaco Public Library 
received national attention in 2002 when its Project READ program 
was one of three programs commended in Weslaco's selection as a 
winner of the All-America City Award, the oldest and most 
prestigious community recognition prize in the United States; and
	WHEREAS, Public libraries serve a vital function in the 
communities they serve, and the Weslaco Public Library has 
distinguished itself as a model of excellence with its innovative 
programs and the outstanding service it provides to area residents; 
now, therefore, be it
	RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 78th Texas 
Legislature, 4th Called Session, hereby congratulate the Weslaco 
Public Library on the national attention that it has deservedly 
received and extend to all those associated with this fine 
institution best wishes for continued success; and, be it further
	RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be 
prepared for the library as an expression of high regard by the 
Texas House of Representatives.