During ALA's 2007 Annual Conference in Washington, DC, conference attendees had a unique opportunity to showcase the value and importance of libraries in the Halls of Congress at Library Day on the Hill!
On Tuesday, June 26, busloads of librarians and library supporters from across the country (app. 2000!) descended upon Capitol Hill to call attention to the value of today's libraries, as well as the issues the library community is facing. Threats to funding, library closures and reduced hours are just a few of the battles at hand in public, school, academic and special libraries around the country.
Members of Congress were not only visited by Library Day on the Hill participants, they were also be treated to a wide-ranging display of the different types of libraries this country offers. This unique display took place in the Gold Room of the Rayburn House Office Building, and there were displays from every discipline to show our legislators just what libraries mean to America; from public libraries to school libraries, research libraries to special libraries. In addition, there was also an opportunity for legislators to make their own version of ALA's famous READ promotional posters.
Every morning, Representatives and Senators have an opportunity to stand up and address their colleagues during the time period set aside for “other business.”
We asked ALA members to tell their legislators that on June 26 they'd be participating in Library Day on the Hill, along with hundreds of other library advocates, and that Congress could make this day extra special by going to the Floors of the House and Senate during this time and talking about libraries!
[Congressional Record: June 26, 2007 (House)]
[Page H7081]
THE IMPORTANCE OF LIBRARIES IN LOCAL COMMUNITIES
HON. VIRGINIA FOXX
of North Carolina
in the House of Representatives
Tuesday, June 26, 2007
(Ms. FOXX asked and was given permission to address the House for 1 minute and to revise and extend her remarks.)
Ms. FOXX. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of America's local libraries. Libraries have long been the locus of learning, cultural exchange and imagination for young and old alike.
As a former librarian, I know that libraries play a crucial role in providing generation after generation with access to great books and world-changing ideas. Libraries serve our communities as a sort of guidepost along an often overwhelming path of information in the Internet age. Librarians still provide the invaluable service of helping us answer the toughest questions and directing us to the most reliable sources for research.
For many Americans, libraries are the only place they have ready access to thousands of books on almost any topic. By their very nature, libraries encourage us to branch out and pursue interests that we might not be naturally inclined to pursue.
The phenomenon that best describes libraries, contribution to local communities is a patron wandering through the stacks and simply selecting a book because it caught his or her eye. It's this ability to ignite our imaginations and spur us to learn that makes libraries a lynchpin for thousands of communities across the Nation.
[Congressional Record: June 26, 2007 (Extensions)]
[Page E1412]
THE CONTRIBUTION OF AMERICA'S LIBRARIES
HON. MICHAEL M. HONDA
of California
in the House of Representatives
Tuesday, June 26, 2007
Mr. HONDA. Madam Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to the work of America's librarians and the service of America's libraries.
Over the course of American history, libraries have established themselves as national treasures; and not just in the ways that may first come to mind. While it is true that every public library, whether small or large, is a valuable repository of books, periodicals, and electronic media, the greatest asset of all libraries is the people who work there. From local public libraries to the Library of Congress, America's libraries provide vast resources to people of all walks of life. Any individual can go into a public library and know that he or she will be treated with respect and care. Whether library patrons need help with sorting through an avalanche of information resulting from an Internet search, or ideas for a good book to read their child, or encouraging words as they struggle to write their resume or maybe even the next great American novel, librarians are there to provide quality, individualized service. With this in mind, we know that any public institution is only as good as its people. Thus, we are fortunate in the U.S. to have more than 100,000 public libraries serving our residents with experienced, highly skilled librarians.
In the 21st century, librarians have established themselves as critical interlocutors between the knowledge we seek and the plethora of locations in which that information resides. It is important to recognize the American Library Association (ALA), which has preserved the functions of our libraries since 1876. The ALA's mission has been ``to provide leadership for the development, promotion, and improvement of library and information services and the profession of librarianship in order to enhance learning and ensure access to information for all.'' Importantly, the ALA has provided professionals with Master's degree programs at nearly 60 universities all over the country.
It is imperative that we recognize the service of our American libraries and their workforce. These institutions have made great contributions to the education and progression of our society. With our continued support, libraries will continue to serve as an important resource for centuries to come.
[Congressional Record: June 26, 2007 (Extensions)]
[Page E1423]
RECOGNIZING WORTHINGTON LIBRARIES
HON. PATRICK J. TIBERI
of Ohio
in the House of Representatives
Tuesday, June 26, 2007
Mr. TIBERI. Mr. Speaker, it is a distinct honor to rise and recognize Worthington Libraries, recently named the 2007 Library of the Year by Library Journal and Gale.
The roots of Worthington Libraries can be traced to 1803 and the small town of Granby, Connecticut, where a group of 100 men, women and children set out to begin a new life in Worthington, Ohio, bringing their collections of books with them. The library which was formed to manage those books was the first in Franklin County and only the third in Ohio.
The first building to actually house the collection came in 1927 when Elizabeth Jones Deshler donated money for a library building on the northeast corner of the Village Green, the area set aside by Worthington's founders for the public pursuit of learning and education. Mrs. Deshler dedicated the building to the memory of her grandfather, Worthington founder James Kilbourne. In 1931, Mrs. Deshler funded the addition of north and south wings on the James Kilbourne Memorial Library Building.
With a new location and an additional building, the current Library offers the world-class service and learning environment to match its storied past. The library is still the focal point of the community, emphasizing accountability to its patrons through rigorous, forward-looking planning and quality service that embraces not just adults but also children and teens. The community returns the compliment with strong financial support, giving the library 65.5 percent of its funding, even though three-quarters of Ohio's public libraries get most or all of their funding from the state.
Innovations which contributed to Worthington Libraries' selection for Library of the Year included a roving reference librarian, new ways to promote high-traffic items like popular fiction, a teen blog and ``MySpace'' page, adult programming that extends to forums sponsored with the town's Council for Public Deliberation, and strong e-assets that include not only 164 topnotch electronic resources and more than 8000 full-text periodicals but also TumbleBooks, which provides animated stories for children.
It is an honor to represent a community which prides itself upon the pursuit of knowledge, and the Worthington Libraries nobly provides that endeavor for its residents. Congratulations to all the staff of Worthington Libraries for continuing to find new ways to promote reading and learning.
[Congressional Record: June 26, 2007 (Extensions)]
[Page E1418-E1419]
TRIBUTE TO WORTHINGTON LIBRARIES
HON. DEBORAH PRYCE
of Ohio
in the House of Representatives
Tuesday, June 26, 2007
Ms. PRYCE of Ohio. Madam Speaker, it is a distinct honor to rise and recognize Worthington Libraries, recently named the 2007 Library of the Year by Library Journal and Gale.
The roots of Worthington Libraries can be traced to 1803 and the small town of Granby, CT, where a group of 100 men, women and children set out to begin a new life in Worthington, OH, bringing their collections of books with them. The library which was formed to manage those books was the first in Franklin County and only the third in Ohio.
The first building to actually house the collection came in 1927 when Elizabeth Jones Deshler donated money for a library building on the northeast comer of the Village Green, the area set aside by Worthington's founders for the public pursuit of learning and education. Mrs. Deshler dedicated the building to the memory of her grandfather, Worthington founder James Kilbourne. In 1931, Mrs. Deshler funded the addition of north and south wings on the James Kilbourne Memorial Library Building.
With a new location and an additional building, the current Library offers the world-class service and learning environment to match its storied past. The library is still the focal point of the community, emphasizing accountability to its patrons through rigorous, forward-looking planning and quality service that embraces not just adults but also children and teens. The community returns the compliment with strong financial support, giving the library 65.5 percent of its funding, even though three-quarters of Ohio's public libraries get most or all of their funding from the State.
Innovations which contributed to Worthington Libraries' selection for Library of the Year included a roving reference librarian, new ways to promote high-traffic items like popular fiction, a teen blog and ``MySpace'' page, adult programming that extend to forums sponsored with the town's Council for Public Deliberation, and strong e-assets that include not only 164 top-notch electronic resources and more than 8,000 full-text periodicals but also TumbleBooks, which provides animated stories for children.
It is an honor to represent a community which prides itself upon the pursuit of knowledge, and the Worthington Libraries nobly provides that endeavor for its residents. Congratulations to all the staff of Worthington Libraries for continuing to find new ways to promote reading and learning.
[Congressional Record: June 26, 2007 (Extensions)]
[Page E1411]
RECOGNIZING LIBRARY DAY ON THE HILL
HON. CHARLES B. RANGEL
of New York
in the House of Representatives
Tuesday, June 26, 2007
Mr. RANGEL. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Library Day on the Hill during the American Library Association's (ALA) Annual Conference in Washington, D.C. On June 26th, 2007, library supporters and sponsors will gather on Capitol Hill to display the diversity of library resources available in the United States. I am glad to support this initiative and look forward to celebrating the wealth and freedom of information that we have in this great country.
Information resources are the foundation of effective research, reporting and analyzing. Our libraries serve as a principle medium through which our communities access educational resources and electronic databases.
In New York, the Federal Library Services and Technology Act (LSTA) supports our local libraries and provides funds for New Yorkers to access electronic databases through NOVELny, our first statewide virtual library. LSTA is also focused on strengthening the relationship between library organizations and policy makers in order to facilitate better communication and collaboration. In line with the New York State Education Department's mission ``to raise the knowledge, skill, and opportunity of all the people in New York,'' targeted library support will ensure the greatest benefit of library resources to all New Yorkers.
I encourage my colleagues to join me in supporting Library Day on the Hill, June 26th, 2007. The services provided by our libraries are inimitable and by raising awareness of our library collections we display the freedom of information resources available in America.
[Congressional Record: June 26, 2007 (Extensions)]
[Page E1415]
HONORING FAIRFAX AND PRINCE WILLIAM COUNTY PUBLIC LIBRARIES
HON. TOM DAVIS
of Virginia
in the House of Representatives
Tuesday, June 26, 2007
Mr. TOM DAVIS of Virginia. Madam Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the efforts of public library Fairfax and Prince William Counties.
Public libraries have always been a great source of knowledge for the community. Recognizing the importance and need of public libraries, Benjamin Franklin, founder of the United States' first public lending library, once said that ``an investment in knowledge always pays the best interest.'' Public libraries enrich our lives by providing society with educational resources, a communal gathering place, free access to the internet and interactive services that engage the public in the joys of reading. Libraries allow people of every age to independently self educate themselves by taking advantage of the great programs and services offered.
Madam Speaker, in closing, I would like to take this opportunity to commend public libraries in Fairfax and Prince William Counties for the invaluable services they provide to the community.
[Congressional Record: June 28, 2007 (Extensions)]
[Page E1431]
NATIONAL LIBRARY DAY
HON. JOHN P. SARBANES
of Maryland
in the House of Representatives
Wednesday, June 27, 2007
Mr. SARBANES. Madam Speaker, I rise to support National Library Day on the Hill and congratulate the Enoch Pratt Free Library on the grand opening of the new Southeast Anchor Library in the Highlandtown neighborhood of Baltimore, the first library to be built and open in the city in 35 years. I'm very proud to have attended the ribbon cutting ceremony recently and am thoroughly impressed by the depth of services that this new branch will offer our community. This 27,000-square-foot facility is state-of-the-art with an 80,000-volume collection. It will also have nearly 60 computers for public use, a self check-out counter, a drive-up window, a cafe, multi-purpose meeting rooms and a computer lab. To the community, the Southeast Anchor offers more than just a quiet place to read and learn. It offers a gathering place and an intellectual hub for the City of Baltimore.
In its annual State of American Libraries report last year, the American Library Association found that 92 percent of the population believed libraries were still needed despite technological advancements. It also found that 63 percent of all Americans have library cards and that public libraries are the primary point of online access for people without Internet connections at home, school or work. The Pratt system, now with a southeast presence, is indeed a reflection of Baltimore's thirst for learning. Through the Pratt, every Baltimorean has the opportunity to learn and gain knowledge otherwise not accessible.
The combined dedication of the staff and volunteer corps at the Enoch Pratt Free Library has made it possible for Baltimore's youth to truly believe that "Your Journey Starts Here." Madam Speaker, I know that the House of Representatives will join me in congratulating the library community on its tremendous accomplishment. It truly is the "Year of the Pratt."
Library Day on the Hill
