Celebrating at the October 20, 1973 reception for the opening of the new public library building in Marshall, Texas are Mr. and Mrs. Louis Kariel (left and right) and Tony Bridge (center). Mr. Bridge was the owner of KMHT radio station and was the first person to support Mrs. Kariel when she publicly stated the need for a public library.

Library benefactors Virginia Gold Olinsky, second from left, and Bernice Gold Kranson, right, are shown with other library supporters at a reception during the opening weekend of the Marshall Public Library, October, 1973.

Library benefactors greet other library supporters at the reception for the new Marshall Public Library on October 20, 1973. Third from left is Mrs. George Gold Olincy, then her sister Mrs. Bernice Gold Kranson, fourth from left, and then Mr. George Olincy, right. The Mose and Etta Gold auditorium at the library was named for the Gold's parents.

Audrey Kariel, Project Director, and Carolyn Abney, civic leader and library supporter, pose at the reception for the grand opening of new Marshall Public Library October 20, 1973.

Ray and Mona Lawson, library suppporters, attended the reception for the opening of Marshall Public Library on October 20, 1973.

In 1973 the Marshall Public Library received the "Library Project of the Year" award from the Texas State Library Association. The dedication ceremony for the new library was held on Sunday, October 21, 1973. At a reception on the Saturday night before, Nancy Kariel displays the dedication program. The program cover shows the artist's rendering of the architect's concept. Inside is the history of the drive from 1969-1972 to construct a new library; the order of ceremony; lists of officers, boards, and committees; and two pages recognizing the individuals and organizations which contributed substantially to the project.

Audrey Kariel performs the ribbon-cutting for the first McDonald's in Marshall, Texas on October 20, 1972. The ribbon held 100 one-dollar bills which were donated to the building fund for the new Marshall Public Library, which opened one year later.

Mr. and Mrs. Jerry (Sallie) Gullion pose with George Olincy, Andrew Norman Foundation Chairman and library benefactor. at the celebration for the new Marshall Public Library in 1973.

Radio station owner Tony Bridge and civic leader Carolyn Abney attended the reception for the opening of the new Marshall Public Library in 1973.

Members of the Harrison County Association of ex-University of Texas Students celebrate the opening of the new Marshall Public Library at a reception on October 20, 1973.

Mrs. George (Virginia Gold) Olincy, Trustee of Andrew Norman Foundation, toasts the new Marshall Public Library at the reception for its opening on October 20, 1973.