Speech and Testimony
County Executive Leggett’s Remarks at the Aspen Hill Library Refresh and Reopening
As prepared
Good morning! Thank you for coming out today for our ribbon-cutting ceremony this morning. This is a time to celebrate and enjoy the newly refreshed Aspen Hill Library.
I want to thank David Dise, our director of General Services, and his staff, who managed the design and construction of this vital project.
This is a good day; and we appreciate events like this. There have been some tough times during my administration.
In my early years as County Executive, our economy was at one of the lowest points in history and yet we continued to build, renovate or “refresh” facilities.
It has not been easy; but it worked because of strong fiscal management and smart, responsible growth.
The “refresh” model is a great example of smart, responsible growth.
It is an innovative way to take care of our libraries and ensure the branches get necessary updates and stay in good repair.
This saves our residents thousands of dollars and keeps our branches open.
Look around today, you will see that this strategy is working!
The library has a whole new look and is renewed with bright colors, new furniture and polished upgrades.
There is also a new Information and Circulation customer service desk; and on the outside, there are exterior enhancements that improve accessibility.
This library has more than 79,000 print books and other media items. You have access to online data bases through the computers and laptops available for public use.
One of Montgomery County’s most important priorities is to ensure that every child receives the best education possible. Our libraries are an integral part of reaching that goal.
You will see some exciting changes in the children’s section. There are hundreds of print and electronic resources for children of all ages.
The library staff has planned many special children’s programs to inspire young children to develop a passion for reading at an early age and to keep older children enthusiastic and interested in reading.
Yes, this is an exciting day; but it is also a little sad. This will be the last ribbon-cutting ceremony with Libraries Director Parker Hamilton. Parker will retire at the end of this month, after almost 37 years of service to the County and 12 years as the Director of Public Libraries.
Under Parker’s leadership, our County libraries have survived tough times when budgets were cut to the bone; yet she has ensured they not only survived but thrived – a feat emblematic of her tremendous commitment and leadership.
We will miss her terribly; and we wish her well in her retirement.
Thank you for coming out today.
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Release ID: 17-080
Saturday, July 15; 10 a.m.