[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 58 (Thursday, April 10, 2003)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E727]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         TRIBUTE TO MARY LU AFT

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. ROB PORTMAN

                                of ohio

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, April 9, 2003

  Mr. PORTMAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the outstanding 
service of Mary Lu Aft, a friend and distinguished constituent, who has 
enriched the lives of countless individuals in the Cincinnati area. On 
April 25, 2003, Mary Lu will complete an unprecedented fifth and final 
term as Chair of the Board of Trustees of the Friends of the Public 
Library.
  Friends of the Public Library is an organization that raises funds 
for materials, programs and services that support the Public Library of 
Cincinnati and Hamilton County. The Public Library system has a 
circulation of 12.8 million books, videos and other materials, and is 
the fourth busiest library system in the country.
  Mary Lu is an invaluable part of the Cincinnati community. Since 
1998, she has served as Chair of the Board of Trustees of the Friends 
of the Public Library, and, since 1989, has also served as its Chair of 
Book Sales. Over the years, Mary Lu has been integral to the success of 
``Friends.'' During her service, she oversaw and coordinated used book, 
warehouse, and branch sales, which have raised over $1.6 million for 
the Public Library programs and purchases. Mary Lu also planned and 
coordinated the recycling of over 3 million books, which were donated 
to ``Friends'' or retired from the Library's circulation. Her 
leadership and hard work have made the Public Library of Cincinnati and 
Hamilton County a national model for such initiatives, and, of course, 
have been a tremendous benefit to those in the Cincinnati area.
  Mary Lu also has been active with a number of other good causes and 
organizations. Since 1981, she has served as a consultant to the 
American Red Cross, and she continues to give her time and energy to 
the United Way of America. Among her other activities, Mary Lu is the 
Co-Chair of the 2003 International Conference of Volunteer 
Administrators.
  Mary Lu's success has not gone unnoticed. She received the Great 
Rivers Girl Scout Council Woman of Distinction award in 2000 and the 
Cincinnati Enquirer's Woman of the Year award in 1999.
  Mr. Speaker, I hope my colleagues will join me in recognizing Mary 
Lu's many accomplishments as she steps down as Chair of the Board of 
Trustees of Friends of the Public Library on April 25, 2003. I know 
Mary Lu will continue to make a difference in our community and Nation. 
All of us in Southwestern Ohio wish her the very best in her future 
endeavors.

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