Bill Text: VA HJR98 | 2024 | Regular Session | Enrolled
Bill Title: Commending Elizabeth Fowler.
Spectrum: Partisan Bill (Republican 2-0)
Status: (Passed) 2024-02-01 - Bill text as passed House and Senate (HJ98ER) [HJR98 Detail]
Download: Virginia-2024-HJR98-Enrolled.html
WHEREAS, Elizabeth Fowler, an esteemed librarian who faithfully served the residents of Williamsburg and James City County since 2017 as director of the Williamsburg Regional Library, retired in 2023; and
WHEREAS, Elizabeth "Betsy" Fowler joined the Central Rappahannock Regional Library in 1980 as manager of what was then the North Stafford Branch and would later go on to serve the library system as coordinator of branch services from 1990 to 2008; and
WHEREAS, after serving as director of libraries and research services with the Chesapeake Public Library from 2008 to 2013 and working for some time as a library consultant, Betsy Fowler took the helm of the Williamsburg Regional Library (WRL) system in 2017; and
WHEREAS, as head of WRL, Betsy Fowler oversaw a library system that serves more than 57,000 registered users, including approximately 6,000 visitors weekly, and that offers a multitude of engaging and innovative programs to educate and inspire its patrons; and
WHEREAS, Betsy Fowler spearheaded various initiatives at WRL that enhanced services and increased visitorship, including the Kiwanis Kids Idea Studio and the Cena con Cuentos Spanish-language program, while strengthening partnerships with other local institutions such as The College of William & Mary; and
WHEREAS, Betsy Fowler's sterling leadership kept WRL operational during the COVID-19 pandemic as she worked tirelessly to provide quality Internet services, bolster the library's digital collections, and implement other measures to ensure public safety during this historic health crisis; and
WHEREAS, Betsy Fowler has received numerous distinctions over the years in recognition of her accomplishments, including multiple awards from the Virginia Public Library Directors Association, and in 2023, WRL was named Virginia Library of the Year by the Virginia Library Association; and
WHEREAS, with a deep understanding of the role libraries play in our communities and steadfast devotion to the patrons that she serves, Betsy Fowler has demonstrated the power libraries have to change lives and has made Williamsburg and James City County a more wonderful place to live, work, and raise a family; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED by the House of Delegates, the Senate concurring, That the General Assembly hereby commend Elizabeth Fowler, director of the Williamsburg Regional Library, on the occasion of her retirement; and, be it
RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the House of Delegates prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to Elizabeth Fowler as an expression of the General Assembly's high regard for her admirable contributions to Williamsburg, James City County, and the Commonwealth and best wishes for a happy and fulfilling retirement.
