[Congressional Record Volume 145, Number 119 (Tuesday, September 14, 1999)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1876]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


     NAPERVILLE (IL) LIBRARIES RANK NUMBER ONE IN THE UNITED STATES

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. JUDY BIGGERT

                              of illinois

                    in the house of representatives

                      Tuesday, September 14, 1999

  Mrs. BIGGERT. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to offer my warmest 
congratulations to the city of Naperville and its two public libraries.
  For the second year in a row, the Naperville Public Libraries have 
been named the number one public library system in the United States 
when compared with other facilities of comparable size.
  The ranking revealed in a recent article in the magazine ``American 
Libraries,'' looked at factors such as collection turnover, materials 
expenditure per capita, periodicals per 1,000 residents, cost per 
circulation and circulation per full-time employment staff hour.
  It's time that public libraries receive more recognition. They are 
the great equalizer in our society as they ensure free and unlimited 
access to invaluable educational resources for anyone who simply has 
the desire to learn.
  Librarians and employees continually go above and beyond the call of 
duty with their exceptional service and commitment to provide enriching 
and enlightening information to everyone in the community.
  Libraries enhance our knowledge of ourselves and the world around us. 
Great libraries, like Nicols and Naper Boulevard, deserve our highest 
praise and recognition.
  Congratulations to the Naperville Public Libraries--the very best in 
their class