[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 144 (Wednesday, October 15, 2003)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E2044-E2045]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                  RECOGNITION OF THE BROOKPORT LIBRARY

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. JOHN SHIMKUS

                              of illinois

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, October 15, 2003

  Mr. SHIMKUS. Mr. Speaker, I rise before you today to recognize 
Brookport Library located in Brookport, Illinois.
  I recently visited the Library and wanted to share their story with 
you.
  The Brookport Library was established in 1991 by the Brookport 
Betterment Committee (BBC) Inc.

[[Page E2045]]

  The Library was housed in an area of the old Brookport Grade School, 
which was leased by the school district for $1 per year. With no water 
or heat, except for a kerosene heater located close to the librarian, 
the Library remained at this location until 1997.
  At this time, the old school building was demolished, and the books, 
along with everything else, went into storage.
  In March of 1998, papers were signed and once more the Library had a 
home, 103 East Third Street. The old house had charm but it wasn't long 
before it began bulging at the seams.
  In the meantime, some very generous donations were made which were 
earmarked for a building, and in April 2002, the BBC purchased the 
building known as the Hohman Building located at the corner of U.S. 45 
and Seventh Street.
  Following some major remodeling, the Library opened for business on 
November 4, 2002.
  The Library relies solely on donations and volunteers, so if anyone 
is interested in helping the Brookport Library, please contact the 
Library or any board member.
  I want to especially thank Judy Askew, the chairman; Ann Douglas, 
secretary/head librarian; Leah Slayden, treasurer; and Rosemary Hohman 
and Barbara Call for the work they continue to do to make this library 
such a special place.

                          ____________________