[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 160 (Thursday, November 6, 2003)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2269]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




     125TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE BELLEVILLE, WISCONSIN PUBLIC LIBRARY

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                           HON. TAMMY BALDWIN

                              of wisconsin

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, November 6, 2003

  Ms. BALDWIN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the 125th anniversary 
of the Belleville Public Library, in Belleville, Wisconsin. Since 1878, 
the Belleville Public Library has been providing an invaluable service 
to the community.
  The Belleville Library opened its doors on December 14, 1878 when a 
local businessman, Henry Story, donated a collection of 133 books. The 
library's collection has grown over the past 125 years to an impressive 
20,000 items, serving the community with print materials, audio books, 
videos, and CD ROM products. Belleville residents are also fortunate to 
have access to the library interchange network, a consortium of South 
Central Wisconsin libraries that operate a shared automation system 
providing access to over 2 million items.
  A public library is a strong component of a democratic society. 
Providing an equal opportunity for its residents to learn and grow is 
just one of the many functions a public library serves. In the 
library's 125 years of service, the Belleville Public Library has 
provided programs which foster learning for all within the community. 
The library has consistently encouraged learning through programs 
catering to all members of the community including summer reading 
programs for children, book discussions, and biweekly story hours.
  For 125 years, the Belleville Public Library has recognized the vital 
importance of free access to information in a democratic society. I 
wholeheartedly believe that access to information allows everyone in a 
community to prepare themselves for the future, experience personal 
growth, and to perform the civic duties encouraged of all citizens in 
our Nation.
  Mr. Speaker, I am proud to rise today and join the residents of 
Belleville in honoring the impressive 125 years of service from the 
Belleville Public Library.

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