[Congressional Record Volume 141, Number 76 (Tuesday, May 9, 1995)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E961]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]



[[Page E961]]

               50TH ANNIVERSARY MANHASSET PUBLIC LIBRARY

                                 ______


                         HON. GARY L. ACKERMAN

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                          Tuesday, May 9, 1995
  Mr. ACKERMAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to join with my constituents 
and the residents of Manhasset as the Manhasset Public Library 
celebrates its 50th anniversary. With an intense community spirit and 
desire to develop neighborhood-related services, the residents of 
Manhasset initiated a program in May 1945 that would provide the 
community with library services for half a century.
  Organized by the local branch of the American Association of 
University Women, the Manhasset Library came into being in a small 
rented store with an initial collection of 1,500 volumes. Its first 
director was Ruth Cowell, who served in that capacity until 1972. 
Responding to the growth of the community and the increasing demand for 
more materials, the library grew and a new facility was constructed to 
house its every-growing materials and services. Ten short years later, 
the library continued its expansion and a new children's room was 
added. Shortly, thereafter, the Manhasset Public Library joined the 54 
member Nassau Library System. In 1972, Elaine Seaton assumed the 
position of library director. It was during her tenure that the 
library's Sunday program was developed and the Friends of the Library 
was organized. In 1983, with Sylvia Levine serving as the director, the 
children's room was enlarged and the community room created. During the 
past 8 years, under the leadership of Marian Robertson, the library has 
witnessed a rapid growth in the expansion of computerized services, 
audio-visual materials, business and general reference services.
  As the Manhasset community looks forward to an additional 50 years of 
outstanding library service, I ask my colleagues to join with me in 
applauding its efforts to help create and maintain a truly exceptional 
community.


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