[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 22 (Thursday, February 6, 2003)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E144]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  HONORING THE 75TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE DEDICATION OF THE NILES LIBRARY

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. FORTNEY PETE STARK

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, February 5, 2003

  Mr. STARK. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to the historic 
Niles Library, located in Fremont, California, on its 75th anniversary.
  Although the library as we know it today was officially dedicated in 
1928, the first Niles Library actually opened its doors 38 years 
earlier in the back of Mr. Dickey's general store. In 1900, the growing 
book collection became incorporated as the Niles Free Public Library 
Association and was given a permanent home in Niles' former Southern 
Pacific Railway station.
  In 1927, Mr. and Mrs. William H. Ford donated $30,000 to construct a 
new building for the library. On January 14, 1928, the library was 
dedicated in honor of Mrs. Ford's mother, Jane R. Clough. Future 
Supreme Court Chief Justice Earl Warren, who was then Alameda County 
District Attorney, was present at the dedication. In 1936, the Niles 
Free Public Library Association transferred ownership of the Jane R. 
Clough Memorial Library to the Alameda County Library system.
  In recent years, the library's collection has grown, but it remains a 
small and friendly neighborhood library. Today, the library's 
collection boasts over 11,000 items, including books, magazines, 
newspapers, videos, CDs, audiocassettes, and several important pieces 
of artwork. In 1970, John E. Kimber donated Poppy Nymph, a statue by 
renowned California artist Jo Mora. For the library's 50th anniversary, 
the Fremont Friends of the Library commissioned Fremont artist Hal 
Booth to create a commemorative painting, which is still on display at 
the library.
  This year marks the 75th anniversary of the historic library's 
dedication. A ceremony featuring a speech by California State Librarian 
Kevin Starr and entertainment from Niles Elementary School students 
will be held on February 8, 2003 in celebration of this significant 
milestone.

                          ____________________