[Congressional Record Volume 150, Number 121 (Thursday, September 30, 2004)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1752]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                    HONORING MILFORD PUBLIC LIBRARY

                                 ______
                                 

                       HON. THADDEUS G. McCOTTER

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                     Wednesday, September 29, 2004

  Mr. McCOTTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to acknowledge and honor the 
Milford Public Library, which is celebrating 75 years of service to the 
Milford, Michigan community.
  On April 1, 1929, by a vote of 326 to 174, citizens approved the 
establishment of a free public library by levying a half-mill tax. 
However, the real beginnings of the Milford Library can be traced back 
to the 1890s. In March of 1895, the Milford Times reported about the 
beginnings of a new organization, the ``Ladies' Library Association.'' 
The goal of this fledgling group was to ``establish a library of high-
class literature, sufficiently varied to suit the different tastes,'' 
and to which the members will have access. Later that month, the Times 
reported on the success of the organization, which had already 
attracted 52 members.
  The members felt ``the need of something in the way of a public 
library has long been felt, and many hail with delight this project 
whereby at a small cost they can have access to the best of current 
literature.'' The Association imposed a $1.00 fee on members, which 
allowed them to draw one book from the collection each week.
  Between the dissolution of the Association and the beginnings of the 
Public Library, the Milford Monday Literary Club sponsored a reading 
room for 15 years. The Club's collection of material was transferred to 
the new public library.
  Mr. Speaker, for over 75 years the citizens of Milford, Michigan have 
continued to support the vision of the Ladies' Library Association and 
the Milford Public Library. I hope my colleagues will join me in 
thanking the citizens of Milford, Library Board Members and employees 
of the Milford Public Library for their outstanding service to the 
people of Michigan, and wish them well in the next 75 years.

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