[Congressional Record Volume 146, Number 44 (Monday, April 10, 2000)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E522]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




      IN HONOR OF THE SIMON WIESENTHAL CENTER LIBRARY AND ARCHIVES

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                          HON. HENRY A. WAXMAN

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                         Monday, April 10, 2000

  Mr. WAXMAN. Mr. Speaker, I am delighted to recognize the Simon 
Wiesenthal Center--Museum of Tolerance Library and Archives, an 
extraordinary institution in the 29th District of California, which I 
represent, that is dedicated to teaching the importance of Holocaust 
remembrance and the defense of human rights. The Library and Archives 
is being honored this week in conjunction with National Library Week; 
chosen by the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) as one of 
four libraries, nationwide, to receive the first annual National Award 
for Library Services.
  The Simon Wiesenthal Center Library and Archives' broad collections 
document the Holocaust in Nazi Germany and the many other tragic 
genocides of the 20th century. The library holdings of over 30,000 
books and periodicals document antisemitism, racism, and related 
issues, and are available to researchers, media, students and the 
public. The archives, containing an extensive array of original 
documents, manuscripts, personal narratives, diaries, artifacts, 
photographs, magazines, newspaper, maps, and original artwork, have 
evolved into a primary research depository for materials dealing with 
the Holocaust and the pre-World War II Jewish experience.
  In partnership with the Simon Wiesenthal Center Museum of Tolerance, 
the Library and Archives maintains a number of excellent education 
programs to fulfill its mission of teaching the dangers of bigotry and 
the importance of tolerance. In addition to answering over 500 
inquiries a week, hosts numerous visiting authors, scholars and civic 
leaders to bring its message to the community. The Library and Archives 
also sponsors a dynamic ''Contact a Survivor'' program of direct, 
electronic, eye-witness discussions between Holocaust survivors and 
students.
  The IMLS award is a tribute to the power of libraries to reach 
families and communities across America and around the world, and the 
Simon Wiesenthal Center Library and Archives is a deserving recipient. 
Under the leadership of Adaire Klein, it continues to make a tremendous 
contribution to preserving the lessons of the Holocaust and the legacy 
of its victims for future generations. We owe the Simon Wiesenthal 
Center, Ms. Klein and her staff a debt of gratitude for this 
distinguished record of accomplishment. I thank them for the devoted 
service and extend my best wishes for the future.

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