Washington County Commissioners Proclaim Sept. 5–Oct. 8 as Washington County Read

The Washington County Commissioners Court on Sept. 9 approved a proclamation declaring Sept. 5 through Oct. 8 the official period of the 2025 "Washington County Read," a community reading program organized by the volunteer group Lifetime Learning.

Lifetime Learning president Shirley Herring, who spoke to the court, described the program as an annual community event now in its 17th year. "It is my honor to be president of Lifetime Learning in Brenham," Herring said. She described an Oct. 7 reception at Unity Theater featuring a dramatic reading and remarks by author Eileen Garvin, and said the program also helps fund a scholarship for a high school senior.

The proclamation notes community partners including Unity Theater, the Book Nook, Nancy Carroll Robertson Memorial Library and the Washington County Chamber of Commerce. Commissioners and the county judge praised the volunteers’ work and encouraged residents to read the chosen title for 2025, identified in the proclamation as "The Music of Bees." The court approved the proclamation by voice vote; the motion was seconded and the chair declared the motion carried.

The reception is scheduled for Oct. 7 at 5:30 p.m. at Unity Theater; the proclamation says the event will include a dramatic reading by Unity Theater actors, remarks and book signings by Eileen Garvin. The proclamation also states that proceeds from some of the program’s events support a scholarship for a graduating high school senior.

The court’s action was procedural — a ceremonial proclamation recognizing the community program — and does not create a county program or budget commitment beyond the symbolic recognition.

Speakers recorded addressing this agenda item included Shirley Herring (president, Lifetime Learning), County Judge (presiding), Commissioner Hannah (Washington County Commissioner), and Johnny Williams (Mount Zion MDC Church, invocation).