Heather Curtis
WMAL.com

WASHINGTON (WMAL) – A long-time member of Congress and Bethesda native now has a library with her name on it. The Bethesda Library on Arlington Road reopened Saturday after months of renovations and was rededicated as the Connie Morella Library.

“It’s a highlight in my life, and one of the reasons is, the library has always been a home for me,” said Morella who served on the Maryland General Assembly from 1979 to 1986 and then went on to represent the 8th Congressional District from 1987 to 2003.

Morella’s parents were immigrants from Italy and never had an opportunity to finish elementary school.

“We had a very loving home, but not the books, so the library was my source of all information. It helped to raise me,” Morella said.

Morella added the library is also a non-partisan place. During her time in Congress, the moderate Republican, was known for reaching across the aisle to compromise. While she’s saddened that members of Congress today rarely do that, she doesn’t think partisan gridlock is here to stay.

“I’m still a political junky, hopeful that we will come together and realize the only way you accomplish anything is through compromise,” Morella said.

Morella said the only way to compromise is to listen to people with differing viewpoints and understand their point of view so something can be worked out.

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