Former First Lady delivers keynote address at Literary Landmark ceremony

Former First Lady delivers keynote address at Literary Landmark ceremony

By Mary Tuma Thursday, 03 December 2009

AUSTIN — Just east of the Texas Capitol, a crowd gathered in front of the Lorenzo de Zavala State Archives and Library Building to join former First Lady Laura Bush in a dedication ceremony today honoring the 50-year-old building as a national Literary Landmark.

“For decades, researchers and students of Texas history have mined for historical gold and they have found it here in abundance,” said Peggy Rudd, director and state librarian of the Texas State Library and Archives Commission, which celebrates its 100th anniversary this year.

The Zavala building receives the honor for its use of library resources and archives for the research and inspiration of prominent Texas authors, such as fiction and nonfiction writer James Michener, Walter Prescott Webb, who penned Texas Rangers, and graphic artist Jack “Jaxon” Jackson.

It houses Texas history and genealogical resources, federal and state government documents, electronic databases and library materials for the Talking Book Program, a service to aid the visually impaired.

For her state and national involvement in promoting libraries and encouraging reading, including spearheading the annual Texas Book Festivals, Bush delivered the keynote address, thanking archivists, librarians and devoted patrons for maintaining and safeguarding the literary center.

“As a librarian there is no greater joy for me than to help commemorate a century of learning and literature,” Bush said. “By protecting and preserving Texas historical treasures, you ensure that future generations not only remember the Alamo, but they can learn about it from firsthand accounts.”

Previously, documents were scattered among offices, basements and in Quonset huts until former Gov. Price Daniel, who later served on the commission, promoted the construction of the 95,000 sq. ft. building.

“Today’s dedication recognizes the inspiration that this building and the resources it houses has provided to great writers,” Bush said. “The Zavala building was the first central repository to house and protect Texas priceless historical treasures and to support and improve library services in the state.”

Last year, librarians helped answer nearly 16 million reference questions; Texans borrowed 109 million items from public libraries and attendance at public library programs surpassed 4.6 million, Bush said.

“That’s equivalent to selling out a University of Texas home football game more than 45 times in just one year,” she said. “Who would have thought we would have more readers than football watchers?”

Nominated by Dallas-based The Texas Center for the Book and designated by the Association of Library Trustees, Advocates, Friends and Foundations (previously the Literary Landmark Association), the Zavala building is the fourth structure in the state to be awarded this title. It joins the O. Henry House and Museum in Austin, the Menger Hotel in San Antonio and the Katherine Anne Porter Home in Kyle.

Pointing to restored bronze entrance doors behind her, Rudd said the Zavala building is undergoing a “much-needed renovation." First and second floor renovations are meant to provide patrons with a new and modern research environment.

Construction continues on the third and fourth floors, with the $15.5 million project, paid for with state appropriations, planned to be complete early next year.