David Earl Holt

David Earl Holt David Earl Holt, former head director of the Austin Public Library and professional musician, died, March 17, 2009. He was 80 years old. He was born and raised in Magna, Utah. A gifted trombonist, composer and musical arranger, he played with many bands and orchestras including, Tommy Dorsey, Tex Beneke and Gene Krupa. He held BA and MA degrees in Music from BYU as well as a Masters degree in Librarianship from Emory Univ. in Atlanta. Holt presided over the public library system in Austin, Texas from 1967 to 1991. During his directorship, Austin's budget for libraries grew tenfold resulting in the construction of a new central headquarters, more branch libraries, increased collections, progressive community outreach programs and a revised circulation system. Shortly before his retirement, he created his own dance band, "Dancin' with David". He also composed marches and swing arrangements for jazz orchestras and military bands in Texas and Utah. His musical compositions and artifacts are housed at the Univ. of North Texas Music Library. A catalogue of his works is listed on the library's website as "The David Earl Holt Collection". Holt was an active member of the Austin Writers' League, having written essays, short humor pieces and book reviews for local publications. His abiding interests were a love of books, telling jokes, watching football, playing the stock market, swimming, organic gardening and fishing. He is survived by his wife, Elizabeth Holt; daughters, Helen L. Holt and Jane E. Holt; and son, Steven E. Holt. His grandchildren include, David Judson, Robert Hamer V, Lewis Hamer, Jonathan Hamer, Lily Holt and Cora Holt. Memorial donations may be sent to: Univ. of North Texas Music Library, 1155 Union Circle #305190, Denton TX 76203.