Library Rededicated

WESLACO — The city's former mayor was beaming Saturday morning after The Weslaco Library officially became The Mayor Joe V. Sanchez Library.

"Mayor, you represent everything that is good in our community," the Chamber of Commerce's red coat ambassadors told Sanchez after the ribbon-cutting ceremony.

Sanchez, a published author who has also served as a Superintendent, spoke about his early political career where he rose to the city's top post in 1975.

The former mayor said he was honored to have the library named after him adding, "It's like being a general and receiving my fourth star."

The renaming is just the beginning of many changes that are in store for the library.

Arnold Becho, the library's director, said a 3,200 audio book collection will be ushered-in Aug. 29. The audio book collection, the first of its kind in the Rio Grande Valley, will be free to download to electronic devices such as computers, MP3 players, tablets and some smart phones.

Becho said the free service will also be made available on the library's website.

"All you need is a Mayor Joe V. Sanchez library card," Becho said.

Hidalgo County recently awarded the library with a County Development Block Grant worth approximately $15,000. The CDBG grant will be used to renovate the facilities' restrooms.

Becho said the Public Facilities Department would help spruce up the library's exterior for the opening and for the fall season.

"We're going to be making improvements here and there, but we may look for some public help there because the budget is tight," Becho said.

The library will also be extended its hours of operation. On Saturday's, the library is open to the public from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Beginning Aug. 27, the library will be open from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.