[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 43 (Wednesday, April 17, 2002)]
[Senate]
[Page S2821]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         NATIONAL LIBRARY WEEK

 Mr. SARBANES. Mr. President, as a strong supporter of Federal 
programs to strengthen and protect libraries, I am pleased to recognize 
April 14--20 as National Library Week. This is the 44th anniversary of 
this national observance and its longevity is evidence of the great 
importance our Nation places on libraries, books, reading and 
education.
  National Library Week grew out of 1950's research that showed a 
troublesome trend--Americans were spending more money on radios and 
television and less on buying books. The American Library Association 
and the American Book Publishers joined forces and introduced the first 
National Library Week in 1958 in an effort to encourage people to read 
and to use their libraries.
  When the free public library came into its own in this country in the 
19th century, it was, from the beginning, a unique institution because 
of its commitment to the principle of a free and open exchange of 
ideas, much like the Constitution itself. Libraries continue to be an 
integral part of all that our country embodies: freedom of information, 
an educated citizenry, and an open and enlightened society.
  I firmly believe libraries play an indispensable role in our 
communities. They promote reading and quench a thirst for knowledge 
among adults, adolescents, and children. More importantly, they provide 
the access and resources to allow citizens to obtain timely and 
reliable information that is so necessary in our fast-paced society. In 
this age of rapid technological advancement, libraries are called upon 
to provide not only books and periodicals, but many other valuable 
resources as well audio-visual materials, computer services, Internet 
access terminals, facilities for community lectures and performances, 
tapes, records, videocassettes, and works of art for exhibit and loan 
to the public.
  Libraries provide a gateway to a new and exciting world for all the 
place where a spark is often struck for disadvantaged citizens who for 
whatever reason have not had exposure to the vast stores of knowledge 
and emerging technology available to others. In this information age, 
they play a critical role in bridging the digital divide. Many families 
cannot afford personal computers at home, yet the role of computers has 
become almost necessary to a basic educational experience. The children 
of these families would suffer without the access to emerging 
technology that libraries provide to all patrons regardless of income. 
In addition, special facilities libraries provide services for older 
Americans, people with disabilities, and hospitalized citizens.
  During National Library Week, I wish to salute those individuals who 
are members of the library community and work so hard to ensure that 
our citizens and communities continue to enjoy the tremendous rewards 
available through our libraries. Library staff, volunteers and patrons 
work to ensure existing libraries run smoothly and have adequate 
resources, as well as advocate for increased funding and new libraries.
  I am proud that Maryland is a State of readers. Recent statistics 
show that Maryland citizens borrowed more public library materials per 
person than those of almost any other State, nearly 9 per person. In 
addition, 67 percent of the State's population are registered library 
patrons. We are lucky to have 24 public library systems, providing a 
full range of library services to all Maryland citizens and a long 
tradition of open and unrestricted sharing of resources. The State 
Library Network that provides interlibrary loans to the State's public, 
academic, special libraries and school library media centers has 
enhanced this policy. Marylanders have responded to this outstanding 
service by showing their continued enthusiasm and support for our 
public libraries. I have worked closely with members of the Maryland 
Library Association, colleges and universities and others involved in 
the library community throughout the State, and I am very pleased to 
join with them and citizens throughout the Nation in this week's 
celebration of ``National Library Week.'' I look forward to continuing 
this relationship with those who enable libraries to provide the unique 
and vital services available to all Americans.

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