Dateline: January 27, 2005

Opening for Dickey Library to be next week

“Knowledge is knowing...or knowing where to find out,” was once stated by Alvin Toffler, an American writer and former executive editor of Fortune magazine. For students at Clarendon College, “where to find out” is the new $1.3 million Vera Dial Dickey Library, which will host a grand opening celebration and symbolic book pass Thursday, February 3, 2005, at 11 a.m. 

The Dickey Library is located between the Administration Building and the Harned Sisters Fine Arts Center.

The grand opening celebration will include events such as a ribbon cutting, dedication of the library, and reading of a special proclamation from the office of Texas Governor Rick Perry.

To symbolize the official opening of the Vera Dial Dickey Library, the public is invited to join Clarendon College students, faculty, and staff in a book passing that will stretch from the old library at the southwest end of the Administration Building to the new building.

“Participants will form a human chain, shoulder-to-shoulder, to move the last books in the library’s collection,” said Jaylene Watkins, Clarendon College public information officer. “Everyone involved will be able to say they had a hand in the move and grand opening.”

CC President Dr. Myles Shelton said, “This will be an historic event for Clarendon College.”

Following the morning’s activities, the college will host a special reception in the foyer of the administration building. The library will remain open for visitors until 4:30 p.m.

“So much has been accomplished over the past year,” Shelton said. “We are thrilled that the Vera Dial Dickey Library will not only provide expanded services to our students and people in the surrounding communities, but it will be something of which the entire area can be proud.”

The 10,500 square-foot library is named in memory of the late Vera Dial Dickey, a life-long resident of Memphis. The new building features improved amenities such as a computer research lab with access to 45 computers, three study/reading areas, improved office and work spaces, and special display cases for items such as the Texas Collection.

“Mrs. Dickey was a classy lady, and this building is a class act,” said Jack Moreman, who is a CC alumus, former instructor, and a current member of the Board of Regents.

“With the increased space, we’ll be able to host special events to celebrate our grand opening throughout the year,” said Dickey Library Director Jewel Houston. 

“We want potential students, current students, community members, and area residents to come see our building and take advantage of its resources.”