[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 188 (Monday, December 10, 2007)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2528]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                     HONORING THE SMITHTOWN LIBRARY

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                         HON. TIMOTHY H. BISHOP

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                       Monday, December 10, 2007

  Mr. BISHOP of New York. Madam Speaker, I rise today to celebrate a 
respected and important landmark in the First Congressional District, 
the Smithtown Library.
  Since 1907, the Smithtown Library has been a dynamic center for 
continuous learning, with a multitude of resources and programs for the 
Long Island community. The library ranks as the seventh largest system 
in the State of New York. Its main building and three branch libraries 
serve over 115,000 residents in the town of Smithtown.
  The Smithtown Library was first housed in the former chambers of 
Judge John Lawrence Smith, which still stands today east of the present 
main library building on Middle Country Road. In May 1952, the library 
was granted an absolute charter by the State of New York and became a 
town library under the direction of the town of Smithtown.
  The library is home to ``The Long Island History Collection and the 
Richard H. Handley Collection of Long Island Americana,'' a unique 
collection of priceless artifacts dating back to the 1600s that 
includes nearly 8,000 books, over 750 maps and 130 boxes of written 
documents. No other institution on Long Island has a collection this 
large available for public viewing and scholarly research.
  In November 2001, Smithtown residents voted that the library become 
independent and the name was changed to the ``Smithtown Special Library 
District,'' but it is still affectionately known as the Smithtown 
Library by the community. On Friday, November 30, the library 
celebrated its 100th anniversary with a gala centennial celebration.
  Madam Speaker, I'd like to quote John Quincy Adams, this great 
country's sixth President, who said, ``To furnish the means of 
acquiring knowledge is the greatest benefit that can he conferred upon 
mankind.'' Indeed, the Smithtown Library is a welcoming place for 
knowledge, dedicated to excellence and to enhancing the quality of life 
in Suffolk County, New York. I am proud to honor its 100th anniversary.

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