[Congressional Record Volume 142, Number 117 (Friday, August 2, 1996)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1471]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




            TRIBUTE TO SOUTH COUNTRY LIBRARY IN BELLPORT, NY

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                         HON. MICHAEL P. FORBES

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                         Friday, August 2, 1996

  Mr. FORBES. Mr. Speaker, I rise before you today to pay tribute to 
the South Country Library in Bellport, Long Island, which is 
celebrating the centennial of its founding this year.
  The Bellport Library was originally organized in 1897 because of the 
foresight and enthusiasm of 14 young women who called themselves the 
Entre Nous Club. Seeing the need for a library in their bustling 
seaside village, the Entre Nous Club raised money by sponsoring a 
reception in the home of one of its members, Mrs. Spencer S.W. Toms. 
Each member brought with them a book--60 books were collected that 
day--forming the nucleus of the Bellport Library.
  In 1919, village residents met at the home of Mrs. Charles E. Osborn 
to plan a memorial in honor of local soldiers and sailors who 
sacrificed their lives in World War I. It was decided to build a new 
library building and dedicate it to the fallen soldiers. The seed money 
raised at a block party was used to incorporate the Bellport Memorial 
Library Association in 1920. Mrs. Frederick Edey opened her playhouse 
to hold benefits for the library, Mrs. Edward Bok of Philadelphia, a 
summer resident, gave $1,000 toward the library building, and Mrs. 
J.L.B. Mott donated the property.
  The charming library building became a reality in 1923, at a cost of 
$8,000, and stood on the site of Capt. Thomas Bell's apple orchard. In 
1924, the library was registered under the New York State Board of 
Regents. In 1926, the memorial tablet was dedicated and a portrait of 
Mrs. Mott was hung above the mantel.
  During the 1950's the library association was extended to include all 
residents of the South Country School District. Then in 1986, the 
library moved to its modern building on Station Road and changed its 
name to the South Country Library to reflect its service to the entire 
school district.
  In 1997, the library will celebrate the centennial of its 
organization and on August 17, 1996, a centennial fundraising event is 
being held to launch a season of celebratory programs at the library.
  During the past 100 years, the South Country Library has maintained a 
strong commitment to scholarship. Occupying small quarters in its early 
days, the library has grown in both scope and size since 1897. With the 
dedication of its founders, the hard work of the board of trustees, 
librarians, and staff members, it has become a wonderful resource for 
the school district and entire community. We must continue to promote 
literacy and education throughout Long Island. With the help of the 
South Country Library, we can continue to achieve these goals as we 
move into the next century.

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