[Congressional Record Volume 141, Number 18 (Monday, January 30, 1995)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E217]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[[Page E217]]
                         TRIBUTE TO MARC HAKEN

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                           HON. NITA M. LOWEY

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                        Monday, January 30, 1995
  Mrs. LOWEY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to a man whose 
contributions to his community speak volumes for the ability of one 
human being to have a positive impact on the lives of others. In a time 
when individuals seem to be focusing increasingly on their own welfare, 
Marc Haken, who already has made significant contributions to the 
Queens community as a teacher and community activist, has discovered 
yet another way to have a profound impact on his fellow New Yorkers.
  For the last 3 years, Marc has made at least 1 monthly donation to 
the Queens Library Foundation's Buy-a-Book program to help expand the 
library's collection. You see, Marc learned at a young age that the 
ability and desire to read opens the door to a world of ideas and 
opportunities. The 37 books that Marc has donated to this point, each 
dedicated to a deserving individual, will enrich the lives of Queens 
residents for years to come, leaving behind a legacy of commitment to 
community in which we can all share. I hope it serves as an example to 
others.
  Mr. Speaker, I'm inserting into the Record a January 8, 1995, article 
published in the Queens Library newsletter which elaborates on the 
meaningful contributions made by this fine citizen:
             Community Leader Champions Buy-A-Book Campaign

       Contributing to the Queens Library Foundation's Buy-a-Book 
     program has become something of an obsession for Marc Haken. 
     Since first learning about the opportunity to put new books 
     into the Library's collection through Buy-a-Book, Mr. Haken, 
     a teacher, community activist and lifelong Queens resident, 
     has been the program's most enthusiastic supporter. Each 
     month for the past two years, he has faithfully contributed 
     at least one $25 donation to purchase a book. In all, his 
     donations have enabled the Library to acquire 37 new books--
     books that Queens Library would otherwise have been unable to 
     offer.
       While some might consider his generosity unusual or 
     excessive, Mr. Haken knows well the great value of books and 
     libraries, and believes that contributing to Buy-a-Book is 
     the last he can do to repay the Library which helped make him 
     a success. As a junior high school teacher, vice chair of 
     Community Board 8, president of a housing association, 
     political lobbyist and member of countless community 
     organizations, Mr. Haken leads a full and contented life. 
     However, he realizes that if Queens Library's limitless 
     resources had not been available to him as a child, his life 
     may have taken a much different course.
       ``It's frightening to think back on it today, but I almost 
     slipped through elementary school without learning to read,'' 
     Mr. Haken said. ``Thankfully, my sixth grade teacher 
     recognized the problem and insisted that I begin learning to 
     read and taking my education seriously.'' That was just the 
     push Mr. Haken needed. Each day following school, he walked 
     directly to Queens Library's Central Library, then located on 
     Parsons Boulevard, and spent all afternoon devouring books, 
     determine to compensate for lost time.
       ``I wasn't even concerned with subject matter at the time, 
     I only wanted to improve my reading skills,'' Mr. Haken 
     related. ``I'd simply pick a shelf in the library and return 
     every day until I'd read every book on that shelf. Somewhere 
     in the process, I began appreciating all the wonders of 
     reading. I realized my mind was opening and new worlds were 
     presenting themselves.''
       Mr. Haken believes that the voracious appetite he developed 
     for reading led directly to his desire to teach, and his 
     commitment to community service. He considers himself 
     fortunate to have built a rich and satisfying life, and feels 
     that he can best express his gratitude by providing 
     opportunities for others, particularly young people.
       The Buy-a-Book program, he said, offers a simple but ideal 
     way for him to have a meaningful impact in the community. 
     ``I'm not a wealthy guy financially. I don't have the means 
     to donate thousands of dollars. The beauty of this program is 
     that for $25, I can give a gift that will last for years and 
     enrich the minds of dozens, maybe hundreds of people. Surely 
     I can find $25 for that.''
       Mr. Haken also enjoys the fact that Buy-a-Book contributors 
     are invited to dedicate each donated book, with an 
     inscription inside the bookcover, to a person of their 
     choice. ``I've found that people are absolutely thrilled to 
     be recognized in this way. They consider it a wonderful 
     gesture,'' he said. ``One young man to whom I dedicated a 
     book continually visits the Library just to see the book and 
     ensure that it's in good condition.''
       For the first 20 or so books, deciding who to honor was 
     simple: his sister Clair, colleagues, neighbors, and the 
     memory of his parents and other relatives who have passed 
     away. Having donated 37 books at this point, he has been 
     forced to become more inventive in conceiving dedications. 
     ``For my last book,'' he laughed, ``I simply drew a blank, so 
     I figured why not pay tribute to myself.''
       That, certainly, was an indulgence he richly deserved.
       To become a Buy-a-Book donor, send a check payable to 
     Queens Library Foundation to: Queens Library Foundation, 89-
     11 Merrick Boulevard, Jamaica, NY, 11432. Donors may indicate 
     the name of the person to whom they wish to dedicate the book 
     and the branch library or Central Library division where they 
     would like the book to be shelved. For more information, call 
     the Queens Library Foundation at (718) 990-0849.
     

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