[Congressional Record Volume 141, Number 81 (Tuesday, May 16, 1995)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1045]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


                  HONORING THE NEW YORK PUBLIC LIBRARY

                                 ______


                          HON. ELIOT L. ENGEL

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                          Tuesday, May 16, 1995
  Mr. ENGEL. Mr. Speaker, the New York Public Library, one of the 
Nation's most treasured cultural institutions, and the only library in 
the world combining a preeminent research collection and a 
comprehensive system of neighborhood branch libraries, is celebrating 
its 100th birthday.
  For 100 years, the New York Public Library has been a cornerstone of 
equal opportunity by providing free and open access to information 
without distinction based upon income, religion, nationality, or other 
human condition. The only criterion for admission is curiosity.
  Through the 82 branch libraries and 4 research centers, the Library 
serves more than 10 million people each year. The research libraries, 
which include the Center for the Humanities, the Schomberg Center for 
Research in Black Culture, the Library for the Performing Arts, and the 
soon-to-be-opened Science, Industry, and Business Library, contain vast 
treasures which provide researchers, scholars, and students access to 
the accumulated wisdom of the world.
  However, it is the neighborhood branches that are the cornerstone of 
many New York City neighborhoods. They provide a safe and inviting 
gathering place for the young, the elderly, and, in fact, for everyone 
to learn and enrich their lives. The branch libraries reach far beyond 
the traditional lending role usually associated with neighborhood 
libraries. The many branch libraries that are located in my 
congressional district play an extremely important role in the 
education and socialization of the residents of Bronx County.
  I join with my constituents in recognizing the New York Public 
Library on the 100th anniversary of its founding.


                          ____________________