It was a somber day for the College Station community after hearing of Barbara Bush's passing.
The flags outside of the George H.W. Bush Presidential Library and Museum were flown at half-staff, honoring our former first lady who dedicated her life to serving others.
Museum staff made it a point to honor Barbara's legacy inside the museum by hanging up photos of her all around the rotunda. There was also a memorial set up where people could pay their respects and sign their name in a condolences book.
"We kind of feel like our family knows them a little bit, we've run into them several times," said Diane Oswald, a library visitor. "So when we walked in it just seemed very fitting. She was a larger than life lady and so the banners are truly appropriate."
David Anaya is the marketing director at the George H.W. Bush Presidential Library and Museum. He said George and Barbara were very involved in the museum. Barbara would frequently read to the young children who stopped by.
"I can't imagine how many tens of thousands of children must have heard her reading books," Anaya said. "She would take questions from the kids as well."
Oswald's daughter was lucky enough to meet Barbara a few years ago during one of the readings.
"My daughter tugged on her dress and said 'can I pet your dog' and Barbara leaned down and said 'oh honey, I wish you would'. Just a genuine human being," Oswald said.
The entire display will stay up for the next 30 days, but the stories and photos of Barbara that are plastered throughout the museum will stay up for years to come.
"She's just been an inspiration to so many people over the years and I believe she'll continue to be that," Anaya said. "I think when many people come to the museum, they'll learn so much about her that maybe they didn't know before."
A small memorial is also growing outside of the library. People have been dropping off flowers and books in honor of Barbara Bush and her passion for literacy.
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