Mat McConnell recently retired as Library Director of the Brownwood Public Library and was recognized for this sixteen years of service to the library at a retirement reception held in the Carnegie Room of the Library.  He was presented with a plaque by the Library Trustees for his service.  A Waterman fountain pen was given to him by the Pecan Valley Genealogical Society and Library Trustees in appreciation of his help in obtaining the building for the History & Genealogy Research Branch Library across from the courthouse.

During McConnell’s tenure, the library worked on a tight budget, but along with grants and gifts, he was able to automate the library’s catalog and check out procedures and purchase additional books, videos, DVDs, and large print books.  Under his guidance, the library acquired the Internet and computers for public use, and printers and scanners.  The outside of the building was painted and new overhead lights were installed inside the library, plus security cameras in the foyer.

The library was able to increase its virtual presence through the Brownwood Bulletin microfilm archives, archived newspaper databases and courthouse civil records, E-Books, Portal to Texas History and Family Research.com. In addition, the library participates in the TexShare program which enables Brownwood patrons to utilize other TexShare libraries directly.  The library is a new member of the Texas Library Association.

Pictured above Frank Hilton, President of the Brownwood Public Library Association Trustees, presenting Mat McConnell (on the left) with a plaque in honor of his sixteen years as Library Director.

Below:  David Dalleh, City of Brownwood Human Resources Department, presenting Mat McConnell (on the left) with a certificate of appreciation from the City Council for Mat’s service as Library Director.