Quemado Public Library receives grant from Texas Rural Communities, Inc.

By: Jose G. Landa, Copyright 2014, Eagle Pass Business Journal, Inc.

The Quemado Public Library received a $4,000 grant from The Texas Rural Communities, Inc., a non-profit organization dedicated to improving rural communities in the State of Texas, on Thursday, May, 15, 2014, at a ceremony outside the library.  The grant funds are to be used for improvements to the building and its services. Quemado Public Library Board President Anita Mancha welcomed all the dignitaries and guests to the historic ceremony.

Presenting the grant funds were Sandra Tenorio, Executive Director of The Texas Rural Communities, Inc.,  Texas Rural Communities Board of Director Enrique Montalvo of Eagle Pass, and United States Department of Agriculture Texas State Executive Director Judith A.  Canales.

Texas Rural Communities Board Member Enrique Montalvo told the audience that it was an honor for him to participate in this important event for the Quemado community.

“It is of great importance for us to be able to provide a community such as Maverick County with not one, but rather two grants for the betterment of the community and its future,” said Texas Rural Communities Executive Director Sandra Tenorio, referring to another grant awarded earlier in the day to the Maverick County 4-H Club for $6,000 by the non-profit organization.

Former Maverick County Justice of the Peace and lifelong resident of Quemado, June Edwards, was recognized during the event for being a Quemado Library Volunteer for over 30 years and presented a plaque of appreciation.

USDA Texas State Executive Director Judith A. Canales stated she was elated to continue to be part of the community that she truly calls home, Eagle Pass and Maverick County, and that the continued success of a community is through grants such as this one which is focused on the betterment of the community and empowering citizens with knowledge through reading and public library services to the community.

Texas State Representative Poncho Nevarez also attended the ceremony and congratulated the citizens of Quemado, Texas for their unselfish support of their public library for over 60 years in the rural Maverick County community, providing an important social and educational role to its residents.

Montalvo presented several new books donated to the Quemado Public Library by authors born and raised in Maverick County including University of North Texas at Denton Professor Dr. Roberto R. Calderon who donated two history books penned by him, local attorney and author Alberto M. Ramon who also donated two of his novels, and Rick Harper who donated a history book authored by him on the first Hispanic Texas Ranger. Montalvo also noted that Sul Ross State University-Rio Grande College Dr. Claudia Rodriguez-Wright donated two books to the library, and Mexican Consulate, Lic. Ismael Naveja – Macias, donated over 30 books in Spanish.

Also attending the grant ceremony was Maverick County Sheriff Tom Schmerber, Maverick County Hospital District Board of Director Ricardo E. Calderon, Maverick County Justice of the Peace of Precinct 3C Jeannie Smith, and over 40 guests.

Following the grant ceremony, guests were invited inside the Quemado Public Library for refreshments and cookies by the public library’s Board of Directors.

The Quemado Public Library is open Monday through Friday from 12 Noon to 6 P.M. and offers free computer use and internet service, photocopying services, laminating services, facsimile services, videos, lots of great books for reading, and reading programs for young and old people.  The Quemado Public Library Director is Carmen Vasquez.  For more information, please call Ms. Vasquez at (830) 757-1313.