[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 105 (Monday, July 29, 2002)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1441]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


                      COMMENDING MS. SUSAN FULLER

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. MICHAEL M. HONDA

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                         Friday, July 26, 2002

  Mr. HONDA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to express gratitude to Santa 
Clara County's outstanding librarian, Susan A. Fuller, who has 
announced her retirement after 37 years serving Santa Clara County. 
Susan has performed her duties with great dedication and leadership. 
Her work will be missed, but always appreciated.
  During Susan's service as County Librarian, the library was ranked 
first in the nation for its size in Hennen's American Public Library 
Index for the year 2000. Susan had the responsibility of working with 
the staff and elected officials of ten jurisdictions to restructure the 
County Library after tax shifts that caused a 40 percent revenue loss.
  One of Susan's most notable accomplishments was her ability to build 
library use from 2,500,000 materials in circulation in 1985 to nearly 
8,450,000 materials in 2001. Her loyalty during a time of great stress 
in California libraries reflects her enthusiasm and strength. 
Furthermore, her welcoming personality enabled her to develop trusting 
relationships with ten district jurisdictions.
  During her time with the library, Susan showed her interest in 
improving library services through renovation and increased electronic 
services. She was honored with Library Journal's title of National 
Librarian of the Year 1998. In 1995, she received both the 
``Outstanding Public Administrator of the Year'' and ``Outstanding 
Public Program of the Year'' awards from the Santa Clara Valley Chapter 
of the American Society of Public Administrators. In 1991, Susan also 
negotiated two highly politicized censorship issues: the rights of 
minors to access material on video and through the Internet.
  Susan has been a true role model for the community, and has excelled 
in many facets of her job since she earned her Masters in Library 
Science from the University of California at Berkeley. Susan has, 
however, made many intangible contributions during her career as well. 
She has always demonstrated a firm commitment to the principle of 
protected access to knowledge and information, access she believes 
should be equally available to all citizens. She has stood firm in the 
face of censorship, and has fought for freedom of speech when it has 
been attacked by not only lawmakers but also from others within the 
library system who would compromise this important cornerstone of 
American democracy. Her work is commendable, and the ideals that drive 
her are equally remarkable.
  Mr. Speaker, it is my great pleasure to honor Susan Fuller before the 
House. I extend my congratulations and warmest wishes to Susan for her 
commendable contributions.

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