Library Celebrates Milestone

Photo By Andy Kober
QUASQUICENTENNIAL – Last week the Harris County Public Library reached a milestone, its 125th year serving residents of the county, and the eighth year in its new location next to the Harris County Community Center. The library continues to expand its offerings in serving the needs of Harris County residents. Shown left to right are: Alexia Ross, Cindy Proctor, Library Manager Alyson Nesnick, Alex Parker, and Erin Johnson. Not pictured is Ashanti Teeter. Overlooking everyone and everything is Harry the Owl.

By ANDY KOBER
The word of the day is quasquicentennial.
Mar. 31 was a significant event in the history of Harris County – the 125th anniversary of the establishment of a public library in the county.
“As Library Manager, I am incredibly honored to be part of the Harris County Public Library’s history as we celebrate 125 years of library service in our community,” noted Alyson Newnick. “In my ten years with the Troup-Harris Regional Library System, we have experienced tremendous growth and change.”
And there has been tremendous change over the years.
The first library was housed in a small room of a house. As the need for the library grew and more services were offered, it moved into successively larger facilities, culminating with a new building eight years ago. Thus, last week’s celebration was not only the 125th anniversary of having a public library in the county, but the eighth year being located in the current facility. The new library cost the county little money, instead funded from state monies and a variety of private donations, with former Harris County Commission Chair Harry Lange being responsible for many of those donations.
Today the Harris County Public Library offers services not dreamed of when it was started 125 years ago.
“Our library is a remarkable asset, one that not every community is fortunate to have, and it thrives because of the people who use and support it,” Nesnick offered. “We encourage everyone to take advantage of all the library has to offer. Sign up for a library card, explore our collection in person, or access eBooks and audiobooks through Libby. Your support truly means the world to us. A special thank you to our incredible team, who work every day to serve, inspire, and connect our community.”
During the Mar. 31 celebration of 125 years, library patrons were treated to cake and other treats, this under the watchful eyes of Harry the Owl, a patron of the library who oversees everything in the library and, quite the celebrity, has his own Facebook page.
The celebration is not over as a time capsule will be buried in May. Anyone who would like to contribute a small, flat item to be included should bring the item to the library by May 22.