[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 35 (Thursday, March 11, 2010)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E358-E359]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




           RECOGNITION FOR THE 2010 TUCSON FESTIVAL OF BOOKS

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. GABRIELLE GIFFORDS

                               of arizona

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, March 11, 2010

  Ms. GIFFORDS. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the 2010 
Tucson Festival of Books, which will be held at the University of 
Arizona on March 13 and 14.
  The Tucson Festival of Books is a celebration of literacy and an 
opportunity for those of us who cherish books to meet the men and women 
who write them. It is, ultimately, a community's recognition of the 
great value we place on the written word.
  As the proud home of the University of Arizona, Tucson is the ideal 
place for a festival of books. The Festival brings together more than 
450 authors and presenters who will speak about their work, sign their 
books and answer questions about their craft.
  Now in its second year, the Tucson Festival of Books will have 
writing workshops and competitions, panel presentations, children's 
activities, storytelling, artists and musicians. The Festival truly 
provides something for readers of all ages. In 2009 more than 50,000 
people attended the Festival and an even larger turn out is expected 
this year. Clearly the people of Southern Arizona have a strong love of 
books and reading.
  As much fun and informative as the Festival will be, it also serves a 
larger purpose. I believe that the Tucson Festival of Books can help us 
improve literacy and encourage young people to expand their knowledge 
of the world. It is a reminder of how essential books and the 
information they impart are to our society and to our form of 
government. In 2009, the Festival raised $200,000, which was 
distributed to agencies providing literacy services in Tucson.
  ``Once you learn to read,'' Frederick Douglass told us, ``you will be 
forever free.'' The Tucson Festival of Books plays an important role in 
fulfilling that promise.
  The 2010 Tucson Festival of Books is sponsored by the University of 
Arizona, the Arizona Daily Star and The Diamond Children's Medical 
Center.
  The Festival is organized and run by the Tucson Festival of Books 
Foundation, a non-profit organization. It was founded by Bill Viner, 
President of the Foundation Board of Directors. He is joined in this 
labor of love by Board Vice Presidents Frank Farias and John M. 
Humenik, Treasurer Bruce Beach and Secretary Brenda Viner. The Festival 
would not be possible without their hard work and dedication and the 
efforts of many volunteers. On behalf of a grateful community I thank 
and

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commend them for bringing us this incredible gift.

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