T. L. L. Temple Memorial Library expansion will incorporate property donated by long-time supporters

The $2 million expansion and renovation of the T.L.L. Temple Memorial Library will include land donated by the Nelson Family, long-time Diboll residents and avid supporters of the community, including the library.

The property, located at 303 Park Street, was donated in June of 2001 by the family of Kenneth and Virginia Nelson. For two years, the home on the property provided a space for children's programming and other special activities. However, due to structural and other issues, the home had to be torn down.

Upon demolition, the library board was faced with the task of finding room to accommodate the activities once conducted in the Nelson House. Plans developed for an expansion of the current facility to house these activities and better meet the demands of the community.

The expansion and renovation plan has been brought to city council members, who have given their unanimous approval to closing off the southern portion of Park Street to incorporate the donated land. The expansion will add 7,123 square feet of space to the current building along the north and west sides of the existing property.

The home that once stood on the property was brought in by Southern Pine Lumber Company and had served as the Nelson family's home since 1944. Mr. Nelson began working for Southern Pine Lumber at the age of 17 and retired 48 years later as Vice President of the Temple-Inland Forestry department. Mrs. Nelson was a long-time member of the Library board and a committed supporter.

When Virginia Nelson passed away, her daughters, Carol Nelson Shaw and Michelle Nelson Fuller, wanted to continue her legacy of giving to the community and her affinity for the library.

"When we were discussing what to do with the house, giving it to the library seemed to be the natural decision," Carol Nelson-Shaw said. "We knew how much the library meant to our parents and wanted to give back to the community some of what had been given to us over the years."

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 are calling for support from 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.

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