[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 111 (Thursday, July 31, 1997)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1566-E1567]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




           IN HONOR OF THE NEW FAIRVIEW PARK REGIONAL LIBRARY

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                        HON. DENNIS J. KUCINICH

                                of ohio

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, July 30, 1997

  Mr. KUCINICH. Mr. Speaker, I rise to celebrate the opening of the new 
Fairview Park Regional Library on August 9, 1997, in Fairview Park. OH. 
Public libraries are one of the greatest treasures in our local 
communities because libraries are centers of knowledge, and what higher 
ideal can a society strive for, than the search for truth and 
knowledge. Libraries provide our children a place where they can enrich 
their minds and provide adults a place where they can continue their 
education. The people of Fairview Park are excited about their new 
library. The new library will cater to both the young and old and will 
serve as a meeting place for the entire community. I am proud to 
announce that another center for learning has opened in northeast Ohio 
and I congratulate the people of Fairview Park on the addition of the 
new library to their community:

                  [From the Sun Herald, July 24, 1997]

         Regional Library Gets Ready to Open Its Latest Chapter

                          (By Ken Prendergast)

       Some wonder if the library's exterior could have been 
     different. Some regret that a viable furniture store was 
     razed for it. Others say they wanted the library located 
     elsewhere in Fairview Park.
       Those ``what ifs'' will be filed in the historical 
     footnotes, now that the new, $6.5 million Fairview Park 
     Regional Library is a heartbeat away from its Aug. 9 opening.
       Once people walk into the new library, something will 
     happen. Comparisons between the new and old libraries will 
     occur automatically. But there is no comparison.
       The old library is a labyrinth. The new is more like the 
     atrium of a Fortune 500 company's headquarters. The old has 
     no rhyme or reason in its layout. In the new library, it is 
     possible to find your way without asking someone--twice. The 
     old featured duct tape. The new actually has carpeting.
       ``I think it will serve the community a whole lot better 
     than where we are,'' said Cathy Monnin, manager of the 
     regional library.
       Library users may be surprised at how spacious the new 
     building is. The glass front puts natural light into a three-
     story-tall atrium, graced by a spiral staircase. Entry to the 
     library is at the middle level.
       On the atrium's ground level is a coffee lounge. That's 
     where Java Connection will stand, starting in late November. 
     The coffee business is owned by Cleveland Crunch soccer 
     player Andy Schmetzer. Above, artwork dangles from the third-
     floor ceiling. Barely noticeable, soft music is piped in
       ``We're trying to do a Border's-style feel,'' Monnin said.
       Just as functional, the library was designed by Chagrin 
     Falls architect David Holzheimer, who plans buildings from 
     the inside-out.
       ``This old library is kind of a labyrinth,'' Monnin said. 
     ``Everything is in different sections. In the new library, 
     everything is together.''
       The new library has 44,000 square feet of floor space and 
     lots of amenities. There is a separate room for holding 
     ``Story Hours'' for children, complete with its own bathrooms 
     and a patio for holding story hours during nice weather.

[[Page E1567]]

       Available to the public will be four independent study 
     rooms, which eventually will have personal computers. And, 
     speaking of computers, half the tables in the library feature 
     floor outlets so laptop computers can be plugged in.
       For those who aren't machine compatible, an electronic 
     learning lab for Internet training was built.
       There also is an adult services room, a geography section, 
     a microfilm area and, of course, a whole section devoted only 
     to genealogy. One limited-access room will contain rare 
     items, such as historical and holiday-oriented material.
       All of the books, tapes, discs and catalogues will be moved 
     starting Monday--when the old library shuts down for good.
       The new library will open its doors to the public at 9 a.m. 
     Aug. 9. At 7 p.m. Aug. 8, a grand opening celebration, called 
     ``A World of Opportunities,'' will feature a laser light 
     show, plus music, refreshments and library tours.
       ``Everyone is looking forward to it,'' Monnin said. ``I 
     can't wait.''

     

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