[Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 38 (Thursday, March 30, 2006)]
[Senate]
[Page S2597]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




            100TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE ROSWELL PUBLIC LIBRARY

 Mr. BINGAMAN. Mr. President, I am proud to join the citizens 
of southeastern New Mexico in celebrating the 100th anniversary of the 
Roswell Public Library. That this should happen on the cusp of National 
Library Week makes the distinction even more gratifying. I would like 
to take this opportunity to commend Library Director Betty Long and the 
Roswell Public Library staff, both former and present, for their hard 
work and dedication to the public library system. Their devotion and 
commitment to the citizens of Roswell and Chaves County are exemplary.
  On April 2, 1906, through the perseverance of the Roswell Woman's 
Club, the library opened at its original location on Richardson and 
Third Streets. The Roswell Public Library was established before New 
Mexico received statehood; it also preceded the historic Chaves County 
Courthouse. Throughout the decades, the Roswell Public Library has 
remained steadfast in providing Roswell the scholarly and leisure 
resources necessary to stimulate a vibrant and growing community.
  During my time in the Senate I have come to understand the importance 
of increased funding for and awareness of library services in the 21st 
century. Libraries do more than just loan books; they serve as meeting 
places, repositories of knowledge, and safe havens where ideas can be 
strengthened or challenged. They have played a vital role in the 
development of human culture throughout history. It is clear that the 
role of the Roswell Public Library in this most worthy pursuit will be 
even greater in the decades to come.
  Once again, I would like to congratulate the Roswell Public Library 
on their centennial. I wish them continued success as they move 
forward.

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