[Congressional Record Volume 146, Number 80 (Thursday, June 22, 2000)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1084]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




   CELEBRATING THE 100TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE HAINES FALLS FREE LIBRARY

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                          HON. JOHN E. SWEENEY

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, June 22, 2000

  Mr. SWEENEY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commemorate a small group 
of citizens dedicated to the maintenance of an important public 
institution in the Twenty-Second Congressional District of New York. 
One hundred years ago, a small group of residents from Haines Falls and 
Twilight Park began an effort to establish a small public library to 
serve their residents. Their mission was simple: ``to maintain a 
circulating library and reading room for public use of residents of 
Haines Falls and vicinity.''
  Much has changed since this original mission statement was written. 
The library has seen significant growth over the years. The original 
gift to two hundred books, by Stephen P. Sturges in 1900, has grown to 
include over 10,000. A book mobile has come and gone and the library is 
now filling the growing demand for new technology by offering fax and 
internet capability.
  The Haines Falls Free Library is truly a treasure. It offers a unique 
collection of out-of-print books, photographs and slides of the area. 
The numerous local family genealogies alone are priceless.
  Mr. Speaker, while change is inevitable in today's fast paced 
society, one thing has remained exactly the same as it was one-hundred 
years ago--the local commitment to the Haines Falls Free Library. The 
dedication of Haines Falls residents to maintaining and expanding a 
fully functional library is extraordinary.
  Indeed Mr. Speaker, the commemoration of the one hundredth 
anniversary of the Haines Falls Library is truly a cause for 
celebration. From its inception, this endeavor to provide a public 
service available to all citizens, symbolizes the altruistic spirit 
that has built our great nation.
  I ask my colleagues to join me in commemorating this very special 
occasion. May the next hundred years allow the residents of Haines 
Falls and Twilight Park to continue the friendly and specialized 
services that the Haines Falls Free Library has offered for the last 
century.

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