Speech and Testimony
County Executive Leggett’s Remarks at the Renaming of the Poolesville Library Branch
19633 Fisher Avenue, Poolesville
As prepared
Good Afternoon. It is a pleasure to be here today to officially rename the Poolesville Library the Maggie Nightingale Library.
It is wonderful to be joined by Maggie’s husband Tom; their children Catherine, Tish, and Dennis; their many grandchildren and other family members and friends.
Maggie Nightingale moved to Poolesville with Tom in 1977. She rolled up her sleeves and served the Poolesville community as a dedicated volunteer in many different aspects. She volunteered for her church and served on the Poolesville Days Planning Committee.
However, it was her love for books that led her to the Library Advisory Committee.
When Maggie first moved to Poolesville there was no library. In 1979, the County opened a library that was located inside the middle school/high school.
Maggie believed the community deserved a fulltime library and advocated for a library that did not compete with school resources and was open beyond after-school hours.
Throughout her life, Maggie remained passionate about the importance for everyone to have access to information and literature. While she was an avid supporter of children’s programs, she also believed that learning was lifelong and for people of all ages.
Renaming the Poolesville Library to the Maggie Nightingale Library reflects and honors Maggie’s years of devotion and hard work, which have benefitted generations of residents. Maggie was right – our libraries are important to our communities, which is why during my time as County Executive, I have prioritized the building of new libraries, implemented the Library Refresh program and worked to keep Libraries open extended hours.
I want to thank Parker Hamilton and the Library staff for all their work to make all our Montgomery County library branches places where people feel welcomed.
I appreciate being part of this wonderful event which honors one our County’s finest volunteers.
Thank you for attending today and for your support of our library services.
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Release ID: 17-052
April 29; 2 p.m.