[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 155 (Thursday, October 30, 2003)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2162]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                 TRIBUTE TO THE FRED C. FISCHER LIBRARY

                                 ______
                                 

                       HON. THADDEUS G. McCOTTER

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, October 29, 2003

  Mr. McCOTTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to the Fred C. 
Fischer Library of Belleville, Michigan, as it celebrates its 50th 
anniversary this year.
  Serving the residents of Belleville, Sumpter Township, and Van Buren 
Township, the Fischer Library was built in 1953, when the public 
library outgrew its space at the J.C. Pullen Furniture store, and 3 
other locations.
  From 1953 until 1992 the Fred C. Fischer Library remained the quaint 
and homey 3,500 square foot library it was built to be. Meanwhile, the 
population of the area grew from 12,400 to over 35,000. The library 
became increasingly crowded and more bookshelves were needed to 
accommodate the growing collection.
  Thanks to contributions from the Belleville Rotary Club's Charles B. 
Cozadd Foundation, the Simester estate, many smaller individual 
contributions, federal grants, and the commitment of the City of 
Belleville, Sumpter and Van Buren Townships, the Fischer Library was 
able to triple the size of the library, expand its catalog to include 
just about everything from books to DVDs, as well as offer public 
internet access, and events for patrons of all ages.
  The Fred C. Fischer Library continues to live up to its mandate of 
``making the library an attractive place for all users, young people 
particularly.''
  Mr. Speaker, I hope my colleagues will join me in thanking the Fred 
C. Fischer Library for its outstanding service to the people of 
Michigan, and wish them well in the next 50 years.

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