U.S. Congressman Mike Conaway of the 11th District of Texas, presented a donation of books from the Library of Congress to the Brownwood Public Library on Tuesday, October 4th.

The books are a part of the Library of Congress’ surplus books program.  This program allows the Library of Congress to donate books to educational institutions and libraries free of charge with the goal of building library collections.

Congressman Conaway spoke of the importance of reading.

“Reading allows you to experience things that you don’t get to do individually.  It allows you to experience eras, and it spurs the imagination because you get to dream about things other people do and think of things in the future and how things might be,” said Conaway.

Library board member Frank Hilton stated that the Brownwood Public Library is very active and well utilized, having over 40,000 books checked out each year.  There are approximately 20,000 users of the library’s computers as well.  One popular item available at the library is e-books.

One hundred fifty children and adults attend the library’s Reading Club each week during the summer months.  Children’s librarian Jan McLaughlin explained that the club challenges children to read a certain list of books and they are rewarded with prizes as they progress through the list.  Special guests such as the Abilene Zoo, Brownwood Fire Department, and more come to visit and speak to the Reading Club.

Congressman Conaway thanked the Brownwood Public Library Board, Director Becky Isbell, and Children’s Librarian Jan McLaughlin.

“Thank you all for setting this up and doing what libraries do best and that is helping to educate our population,” said Conaway.  “I also appreciate Brown County supporting the public library, these are hard times and budgets are shrinking, I appreciate their continued commitment to the library.”

The Brownwood Public Library is located at 600 Carnegie and is supported by the City of Brownwood, City of Early and Brown County.

Pictured above are Congressman Conaway (left) with members of the Brownwood Public Library Board and its Library Director Becky Isbell and Children’s Librarian Jan McLaughlin.