Clyde Nix Public Library first in state to receive official litter kits

HAMILTON —When Clyde Nix Public Library Director Starr Montgomery, assistant librarian Tanya Gilmore, Hamilton Mayor Tami Williams and library board members Sue Palmer and Shelia Shotts received supplies for the “Check Out A Cleaner Alabama!” program on Thursday, Aug. 20, they were the first library in the state to receive the full official “Clean Up Kit” packages.
Keep Alabama Beautiful Executive Director Denise Taylor presented the mayor and library staff with two of the official kits, which each included a bucket, four pairs of gloves, four pairs of vests, a box of trash bags, several vehicle trash bags and litter grabber sticks.
She explained members of the public will be able to visit the library and check out a kit with their library card, choose a location to clean and then return the kit after their cleanup is complete. Safety tips and instructions are also provided.
Part of the “Keep Alabama Beautiful” initiative, which is an affiliate of “Keep America Beautiful,” the new program seeks to offer participants a way to reduce litter in communities, protect wildlife and waterways, encourage environmental stewardship, promote community pride and make a difference—one bag of litter at a time.  
The program is noted as being perfect for families, Scout troops, youth groups, civic organizations, schools, volunteer projects and community service hours.
Williams met Taylor at an Alabama League of Municipalities conference and invited her to visit, not knowing Hamilton would be the first to receive the official kits. Taylor noted the Town of Munford is also an early participant, but explained her first presentation of all of the official kit supplies was made at the Clyde Nix Public Library.
“We’re so excited you all have agreed to do this,” Taylor said to the library staff. “And mayor, we’re excited you have said, ‘We’ll do this in Hamilton.’”