10-04-2025
Council honor librarians, dispatchers
Members of the Cleburne City Council paid tribute to the city's librarians and dispatchers during their Tuesday meeting.
"I encourage all our residents to visit our library to explore its resources," Mayor Scott Cain said. "This reminds me of my first experience, when the library was still at the Layland Building, of getting my library card and being able to spend my summer reading books. I didn't have any idea then that it was going to lead to a lifetime of continued learning, and I still read every day and love every moment of it."
The Cleburne Public Library received two mentions during Tuesday's meeting, the first being recognition of having received the 2024 Achievement of Excellence in Libraries Award from the Texas Municipal Library Directors Association.
Cleburne librarians are no strangers to the award having now won it four years in a row.
To be considered for the award, a library must support standards of excellence in 10 categories.
"Those include serving the underprivileged, digital literacy and other benchmarks," Library Manager Tina Dunham said.
Dunham thanked the council and city administration for their support of the library.
"But especially our staff," she said. "They are hard working and go over and above to serve the community and make it a better place."
Cain referenced the fact that the library and Cleburne Police Department have shared the same building for decades and both have outgrown that facility.
"I look forward to the day we can give you all the resources you need," Cain said. "I can't imagine what you guys can do with state-of-the-art facilities. We look forward to being able to get that for you one day, hopefully in the near future."
Cain also proclaimed Sunday through Saturday as National Library Week in Cleburne.
"Libraries spark creativity, fuel imagination and inspire lifelong learning," Cain said. "They offer a space where individuals of all ages can explore new ideas and be drawn to new possibilities."
Cain, joined by Police Chief Rob Severance and CPD dispatchers, proclaimed Sunday through April 19 as National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week in Cleburne.
"They are the vital link for police and firefighters through monitoring their activities by radio and providing them quality and accurate information to ensure their safety," Cain said. "Through their diligence and professionalism they keep our residents and our city safe."
Cain called the dispatcher's ability to remain compassionate and calm under pressure absolutely amazing.
"I think back to the tornadoes that came through in 2013 and all the chaos that went on because of that," Cain said. "These women humbly handled all the 911 calls coming in from the get go. They remained professional and understanding in helping our first responders and helping everyone stay calm."
