By Dane Anderson, Staff Writer

More than 1,000 visitors braved the intense 100-degree heat Sunday to be part of the opening of the Laura Bush Community Library, the second branch of the Westbank Community Library District. 

Some onlookers stood under a large canopy drinking ice water, others stood in the sun fanning themselves with cardboard fans, waiting for a peek at the former first lady as she unveiled her life-sized bronze statue and gave an opening speech for the new community library. 

“This is not your average library,” Bush said in her address. “It will provide a gathering place for people of all ages. It will be a vibrant community center.”

Bush talked about growing up in Midland and visiting the library there as a child. She said she thought the library was the most important building in the town.

“Libraries have been a part of my life for my whole life,” she said. “This is very close to heaven for me to have this library bear my name. I’ve loved being a part of the Westbank Community Library since our family was here when George was governor. I am proud that this new branch is named for me.”

The new $6 million Laura Bush Community Library sits on the top of a hill on 10 wooded acres donated by neighbor Texas Research International. The library has 14,000-square feet, including a 2,500 square-foot public meeting space. Windows throughout the library offer 360-degree views of the picturesque Texas Hill Country. It houses a 30,000-item collection.

“Our wonderful new branch is being opened today only because of the years-long efforts of countless volunteers and sleep deprived staff,” said James Bannerot, board president of the Westbank Community Library District. 

One of those volunteers, Westlake High School junior Walter Bezanson, was on hand in the heat Sunday to help out. Bezanson is a regular volunteer at the original Westbank Community Library on Westbank Drive. He volunteered more hours to help direct visitors where they needed to go and away from Secret Service officers during the opening day celebration. 

“I wanted to be a part of it,” he said.

Helping with the ribbon cutting ceremony Sunday were Austin Mayor Lee Leffingwell, U.S. Rep. Michael McCaul, U.S. Rep. Lamar Smith, State Rep. Donna Howard, State Comptroller Susan Combs, Westbank Community Library Director Beth Fox and Laura Bush Community Library branch manager Lisa Charbonnet.

Visitors broiled in the Texas heat without much complaint on opening day, applauding Bush and others who spoke.

“What a turnout,” said John Musgrove, venturing out from under the canopy to wait in line to enter the library. “It’s a special Texas happening – it’s worth waiting in the heat.”

Nearly $1 million in donations went into the funding for the new library. The remaining $5 million needed for the project came from library savings and a $2 million loan. 

The Westbank Community Library district was the first library district in Texas. The Laura Bush Community Library is located at 9411 Bee Cave Road at the intersection with Cuernavaca Drive.

 Library hours are Monday and Tuesdays, noon-8 p.m.; Wednesday through Friday, 10 a.m.-6 p.m.; Saturday, 1 a.m.-4 p.m.; and Sunday, 1-6     p.m.