HR1475 - Congratulating the Texas Book Festival on its 30th anniversary.

      H.R. No. 1475       R E S O L U T I O N          WHEREAS, The Texas Book Festival is marking the 30th   anniversary of its founding in 2025, and this occasion provides a   fitting opportunity to recognize the organization for its   outstanding efforts to celebrate Texas authors, promote the joys of   reading, and support public libraries across the state; and          WHEREAS, Organized by Texas First Lady Laura Bush, a former   librarian, along with Mary Margaret Farabee and a group of   committed volunteers, this remarkable nonprofit was established in   1995, and it held its first festival in November of the following   year; in the decades since, the Texas Book Festival has become one   of the most prestigious and longest-running literary festivals in   the nation; drawing over 40,000 attendees each fall, the event   features more than 250 authors from around the world, and   festivities include a variety of author presentations and panels,   book signings, cooking demonstrations, and family-friendly   activities; also connected with the celebration are the First   Edition Literary Gala and the Lit Crawl afterparty; and          WHEREAS, In addition to the annual festival, TBF runs several   year-round literary and literacy initiatives; its Reading Rock   Stars and Real Reads programs inspire the next generation of   readers and writers by bringing acclaimed authors and illustrators   to schools, and its Texas Library Grants award public libraries   funds to expand their collections; over the years, the organization   has donated more than 188,000 books to students in Title I schools   and over $3.6 million to public libraries; and          WHEREAS, In the course of the past three decades, the Texas   Book Festival has made vital contributions to the rich cultural   tapestry of the Lone Star State, and the organization is indeed   worthy of recognition on this important milestone in its history;   now, therefore, be it          RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 89th Texas   Legislature hereby congratulate the Texas Book Festival on the   occasion of its 30th anniversary and extend to all those associated   with this noteworthy organization sincere best wishes for the   future; and, be it further          RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be   prepared for the Texas Book Festival as an expression of high regard   by the Texas House of Representatives.     Darby     ______________________________   Speaker of the House                 I certify that H.R. No. 1475 was adopted by the House on June   1, 2025, by a non-record vote.     ______________________________   Chief Clerk of the House