[Congressional Record Volume 142, Number 86 (Wednesday, June 12, 1996)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1076]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




      QUEENS LIBRARY CELEBRATES 100 YEARS OF SERVICE TO RESIDENTS

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                          HON. FLOYD H. FLAKE

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, June 12, 1996

  Mr. FLAKE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize one of the oldest 
and most remarkable residents of my district. This constituent has 
lived in Queens for 100 years and has tirelessly given to many 
communities in the borough, reaching out to young and old of all faiths 
and ethnic groups. This constituent speaks dozens of languages, knows 
ancient history, understands the cultures of the world, and surfs the 
Internet.
  This constituent of mine is the Queens Borough Public Library, which 
recently celebrated its centennial. Last month it marked 100 years of 
growth in size and services. It now boasts a central library and 62 
branches within walking distance of almost the entire population of 
Queens, the highest circulation per capita of any public library, and 
more than 18,000 free cultural and educational programs each year.
  After 100 years of growth and success, one could justifiably say that 
the library has hit its targets, it has made its mark, and it can rest 
on its laurels. The library has no such intentions. In the coming 
months, the library will open its new Asian center at the Flushing 
branch, a unique facility servicing the heart of the Asian community 
east of the Mississippi River; expand its highly popular and 
successfully latchkey and homework assistance programs that currently 
helps 35,000 children a year; and complete the networking of its 
branches with the main library to make even more resources available 
via computers to the community at large.
  The Queens Library is simply an amazing place. Last year, it 
developed a special exhibit on Lewis Lattimer, an African-American 
inventor and engineer who worked with Edison on developing the electric 
light. It also displayed the oldest books printed with metal moveable 
type, brought all the way from Korea. It set up a database of community 
services for Queens residents, and even won the annual dragon boat 
race.
  Mr. Speaker, I bring the library to our attention today with the 
utmost pride in its accomplishments. I congratulate the library on its 
century of service, and look forward to its second hundred years with 
great anticipation.

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