[Congressional Record Volume 150, Number 53 (Thursday, April 22, 2004)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E627]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




      RECOGNIZING THE MONTGOMERY COUNTY-NORRISTOWN PUBLIC LIBRARY

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                            HON. JIM GERLACH

                            of pennsylvania

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, April 22, 2004

  Mr. GERLACH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the Montgomery 
County-Norristown Public Library on its 210th anniversary.
  The Montgomery County-Norristown Public Library was founded in 1793 
as the ``Norristown Library Company'' by 90 families residing in Lower 
Merion, Norriton, Plymouth, Providence, Whitemarch, Whitpain, and 
Worcester Townships in Pennsylvania. The Library was formally 
incorporated in 1796. One of the signers of the Library's new charter 
was Pennsylvania Supreme Court Justice Thomas McKean, who was one of 
the original signers of the Declaration of Independence.
  The first library building was constructed in 1824 on land given by 
the Pawling family members, who were among the Library's founders. The 
cost of construction was $153.43.
  From 1898 through 1937, the Royersford Free Public Library, the 
Conshohocken Free Public Library, the Schwenksville Library, and the 
McCann Library were founded and all went on to eventually become 
branches of the Montgomery County-Norristown Public Library.
  In 1942, the Library officially changed its name to the Norristown 
Public Library with the financial backing of the Norristown Borough 
Council. The name was changed again in 1968 when it merged with the 
Montgomery County Free Library. The Library was then given its present 
title of the Montgomery County-Norristown Public Library.
  In addition to the Library's impressive growth throughout the years, 
the Library has a history of contribution to the community. The Library 
established the Backyard Library Van program, along with launching 
programs like the ``Mini-Bookmobile'' for senior citizens, and ``Books-
Go-Round,'' a bookmobile for children in day care.
  In 2001, the ``Books and Me'' program began at the Library under a 
grant from the Institute of Museum and Library Services under the 
provisions of the Library Services and Technology Act administered by 
the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask that my colleagues join me today in recognizing 
the Montgomery County-Norristown Public Library for its exemplary 
service to the Montgomery County community and the Commonwealth of 
Pennsylvania.

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