Former library director receives Lifetime Achievement Award

(Rockwall) In a meeting of library supporters last week, Kathleen Melston received the prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award from the Northeast Texas Library System. She is a former Library Director of the Rockwall County Library.  

NETLS was established under the Texas Library Systems Act and provides services to 33 counties in northeast Texas

 In presenting the award, NETLS coordinator Jerry McCulley said it recognized Melston’s lasting impact on libraries and honored her many years of exemplary library service. 

“She brought the library through various temporary facilities to a beautiful new 52,000 square foot library facility.  Her personality, good judgment, practical problem solving skills, and a track record of ethical administration enabled her to work effectively with the County Commissioners and the community to develop an amazing level of local library support,” McCulley said.

She was cited for her tireless work as an advocate for library services.  Services were expanded under Melston’s leadership.   Her efforts helped gain the community support necessary for the passage of an $11.5 million dollar bond package and a successful Friends of the Library Capital Campaign which brought in an additional $410,000 for library materials and furnishings.

Melston retired in December 2008 and continues to support the library as a frequent patron, a volunteer with Friends of the Library, and as a citizenship tutor in the Friends sponsored literacy program. 

Submitted by Nell Wellborn.

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