[Congressional Record Volume 141, Number 148 (Thursday, September 21, 1995)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1823]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




            A SPECIAL SALUTE TO ``GREAT BOOKS'' ANNIVERSARY

                                 ______


                           HON. LOUIS STOKES

                                of ohio

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, September 21, 1995

  Mr. STOKES. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to salute the Great Books 
group. Mr. Ray Habian, a member of the organization, recently brought 
to my attention the fact that the Cleveland Great Books group is 
celebrating its 50th anniversary. The organization boasts members 
throughout the Greater Cleveland area. I rise today to share with my 
colleagues and the Nation some information regarding the Great Books 
group.
  It is believed that the formation of discussion groups for the 
purpose of reviewing the Great Books was started after World War I by 
John Erskine. In 1927, Mortimer Adler launched 15 adult education 
courses in New York City to discuss the Great Books. A few years later, 
in 1930, Robert Hutchins joined Mr. Adler in introducing Great Books 
seminars into the undergraduate curriculum at the University of 
Chicago. Soon, across the United States, ordinary laymen with a love 
for literature began to form and lead Great Books seminars in their 
local communities.
  The first meeting of the Cleveland Great Books group was held in 1946 
at the East Cleveland Public Library. It is interesting to note that 
the first group gathered for a candid discussion of the Declaration of 
Independence. In the following years, the group continued to examine 
topics that were popular in American society, as well as in literature. 
In 1972, the Great Books group moved its meeting site to the Noble Road 
Library in Cleveland Heights. The group discussions have focused on the 
philosophy of Plato; the epics of Homer; and the drama of William 
Shakespeare, just to name a few.
  Mr. Speaker, I am proud to report that today, more than 400 Great 
Books groups meet in libraries across America. The discussions provide 
insight into the personal, moral, social, political, and economic 
problems of mankind. I am also pleased to note that over the years, 
Great Books programs have helped to build a strong and lasting 
relationship between our libraries and communities. With the dawn of 
Great Books groups, citizens realize that their libraries can provide 
dynamic platforms for public discussions of historical and popular 
literary pieces.
  Mr. Speaker, on September 19, 1995, the Cleveland Great Books group 
will begin its 50th consecutive year. The candid discussions and 
seminars continue to arouse the interest of citizens throughout the 
community. I am proud to applaud Ray Habian and the entire membership 
of the Great Books group. As they celebrate this historic anniversary, 
I wish members of the Great Books group many more years of success.

                          ____________________