TITLE: Recognizing the Fort Worth Public Library Foundation on the occasion of its 20th anniversary.

SUMMARY: Recognizing the Fort Worth Public Library Foundation on the occasion of its 20th anniversary.

FULL TEXT:
WHEREAS, The Senate of the State of Texas is pleased to recognize the Fort Worth Public Library Foundation on the occasion of its 20th anniversary; and WHEREAS, This outstanding nonprofit organization has been a much-valued fund-raising adjunct to the City of Fort Worth's public library system; and WHEREAS, The foundation was launched in 1993 by Betsy Pepper; she and the charter members recognized the need to combine public and private funds to help improve and expand the Central Library, and by 1998, the foundation had raised almost $5 million for that purpose; and WHEREAS, Members of the foundation also realized that more work needed to be done, and it has raised $1.6 million to help the city fund a master plan, create an integrated computer system, improve its collections, and renovate several of its branches; and WHEREAS, The Fort Worth Public Library Foundation has also provided more than $1 million in free programs and has targeted adult illiteracy with its Priority Literacy tutoring initiative; it also created Launch Pad, a college application program for high school students, and sponsored children's programs, musical performances, and films; and WHEREAS, The foundation has been steadfastly dedicated to the betterment of the citizens of Fort Worth by improving the public library collections and facilities and by expanding outreach services; this exemplary organization has proved instrumental in helping the Fort Worth Library system become one of the best in the State of Texas; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Texas, 83rd Legislature, hereby commend the Fort Worth Public Library Foundation on the occasion of its 20th anniversary; and, be it further RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution be prepared for the foundation as an expression of esteem from the Texas Senate. Davis President of the Senate I hereby certify that the above Resolution was adopted by the Senate on May 16, 2013.