Angelina County Bar Association supports renovation

Reading room at Temple Memorial Library to honor Judge John Hannah Jr.

In a display of gratitude toward the T.L.L. Temple Memorial Library and to honor the late Judge John Hannah, Jr., the Angelina County Bar Association has voted to participate in fundraising efforts for the library's renovation and expansion project.

On July 18, 2006, the Angelina County Bar Association passed a resolution encouraging members and colleagues in other legal organizations throughout the state to make financial contributions toward the renovation efforts, which include a permanent memorial to Judge John Hannah, Jr.

The $2 million project will incorporate a reading room honoring the Diboll native. Hannah was Chief Judge of the Eastern District of Texas at the time of his unexpected death in 2003.

Separate funds are being collected to support this portion of the renovation project. The room will contain books, art, furnishings, photographs and memorabilia from Hannah's life and career.

“We are looking forward to our fundraising effort on behalf of the local bar,” said Claude E. Welch, Angelina County Bar Association member and close friend of Hannah. “We are all proud of Hannah- he was a loyal member of the Angelina County Bar for over 30 years.”

Meetings to formulate a plan for the fundraising campaign are scheduled to begin soon. Welch is serving as chairman of the committee heading up these efforts. A large response is expected, as many area lawyers have already made contributions.

The library, which has served Angelina County residents for over 40 years, plans to begin the renovations early this summer.

A project rendering is available to view in the foyer of the Library. In order to make this project a success, the Library Board of Directors is calling for support from everyone in the community. There are various levels of sponsorship available, and any support is greatly appreciated.

Donations to the T.L.L. Temple Memorial Library Building Fund can be sent to the Library at 300 Park Street, Diboll, TX 75941. Please make checks payable to the T.L.L. Temple Memorial Library Building Fund.

To contribute to the Hannah Reading Room, please make checks payable to the T.L.L. Temple Memorial Library Building Fund and make a note to add the donation to the Hannah Reading Room Fund.

For questions, contact Brenda Russell, Librarian, at (936) 829-5497 or bcr@consolidated.net.