[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 50 (Monday, April 29, 2002)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E651]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




    TRIBUTE TO THE BELLEVILLE PUBLIC LIBRARY AND INFORMATION CENTER

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. BILL PASCRELL, JR.

                             of new jersey

                    in the house of representatives

                         Monday, April 29, 2002

  Mr. PASCRELL. Mr. Speaker, I would like to call to your attention the 
history and legacy of a groundbreaking institution, the Belleville 
Public Library and Information Center, in Belleville, New Jersey.
  On Wednesday, April 24, 2002, friends, patrons, employees, and all 
those who have made the Belleville Public Library a cornerstone of its 
community gathered to celebrate its 100th anniversary.
  It is thus only fitting that we honor the library's long history, in 
this, the permanent record of the greatest freely elected body on 
earth, for it has been a beacon of learning and information for 
generations.
  The Belleville Public Library was founded on January 4, 1902 by the 
Tuesday Afternoon Reading Club. It was initially located in a small 
store on William Street with a collection of only 432 books. After a 
temporary move in 1904, the library was given its permanent home in 
1909. With the help of philanthropist Andrew Carnegie and so many 
dedicated citizens, the building was erected at 221 Washington Avenue.
  President John Fitzgerald Kennedy once said, ``The goal of education 
is the advancement of knowledge and the dissemination of truth.'' The 
Belleville Public Library embodies this ideal, having made an impact on 
so many lives throughout its history.
  One of the first libraries in the state to offer internet access, it 
today has sixteen computers. Citizens are provided free use of the 
internet and word processing programs. Well renowned for its cultural 
programming, the library also hosts monthly concerts, art lectures, 
poetry classes, video viewing, and book discussion groups.
  The library's defining mark in the community, however, may be its 
work in serving the children of Belleville. With store hours for 
babies, toddlers, and preschoolers, as well as a major summer reading 
club and a myriad of activities throughout the year, the library's 
commitment to foster the growth of children is unwavering.
  From its humble beginnings on William Street, the Belleville Public 
Library has grown into a public information center that had over 
100,000 people pass through its doors in the year 2001.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask that you join our colleagues, the Township of 
Belleville, and me in recognizing the Belleville Public Library and 
Information Center.

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