[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 51 (Tuesday, April 13, 2010)]
[House]
[Pages H2465-H2467]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
SUPPORTING NATIONAL LIBRARY WEEK
Ms. CHU. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to the
resolution (H. Res. 1222) supporting the goals and ideals of National
Library Week.
The Clerk read the title of the resolution.
The text of the resolution is as follows:
H. Res. 1222
Whereas the Nation's school, academic, public, and special
libraries make a difference in the lives of millions of
people in the United States, today, more than ever;
Whereas librarians are trained professionals, helping
people of all ages and backgrounds find and interpret the
information they need to live, learn, and work in a
challenging economy;
Whereas libraries are part of the American Dream, places
for opportunity, education, self-help, and lifelong learning;
Whereas according to a December 2008 National Center for
Education Statistics (NCES) report, public library use
increased to 1,400,000,000 visits nationwide during fiscal
year 2006, among all types of library users, continuing a
long term trend of increased library usage;
Whereas libraries play a vital role in supporting the
quality of life in their communities;
Whereas libraries help people of all ages discover a world
of knowledge, both in person and online, as well as provide
personal service and assistance in finding needed
information;
Whereas libraries are a key player in the national
discourse on intellectual freedom and equity of access;
Whereas libraries are narrowing the ``digital divide'', by
providing no-fee public computer and Internet access to
accommodate the growing need for access to digital and online
information, including e-government, continuing education,
and employment opportunities;
Whereas in 71 percent of communities, libraries have the
only no-fee public computers; and
Whereas libraries, librarians, library workers, and
supporters across the United States will celebrate National
Library Week, April 11-17, 2010: Now, therefore, be it
Resolved, That the House of Representatives--
(1) supports the goals and ideals of National Library Week;
(2) encourages all residents to visit a library to take
advantage of the wonderful library resources available, and
to thank their librarians and library workers for making
information accessible to all who walk through the library's
doors; and
(3) supports librarians' efforts to ensure that all
Americans can continue to access 21st century library
services in school, public, academic, and special libraries.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to the rule, the gentlewoman from
California (Ms. Chu) and the gentleman from Tennessee (Mr. Roe) each
will control 20 minutes.
The Chair recognizes the gentlewoman from California.
General Leave
Ms. CHU. Mr. Speaker, I request 5 legislative days during which
Members may revise and extend and insert extraneous material on House
Resolution 1222 into the Record.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there objection to the request of the
gentlewoman from California?
There was no objection.
Ms. CHU. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself as much time as I may consume.
I rise today in support of House Resolution 1222, which encourages
all Americans to take advantage of the numerous resources libraries
make available. Across the country, libraries help develop communities
by bringing people of all nationalities, ages, and socioeconomic
backgrounds together to enjoy the pleasures of literature, media, and
new technology. Libraries foster national discourse on intellectual
freedom, and provide informational equity across the Nation. Libraries
not only provide free resources to adults and children, but they also
preserve historical artifacts and information, highlighting societal
achievements.
Today we have nearly 123,000 libraries nationwide playing a vital
role in creating vibrant, energized communities. Our very own Library
of Congress sponsors the annual National Book Festival. Authors,
illustrators, and poets gather at the Nation's Capitol to promote
reading and literacy in all 50 States.
{time} 1415
In fact, President Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama helped sponsor
this event as honorary chairs. Last September, the annual National Book
Festival was a huge success. With 80 best-selling authors and over
1,000 volunteers, scores of people gathered to promote reading to
children.
The Library of Congress is also a great resource for the public. As
the largest library in the world, the Library of Congress holds more
than 120 million items on approximately 530 miles of bookshelves. The
collections include more than 18 million books, 2.5 million recordings,
12 million photographs, 4.5 million maps, and 54 million manuscripts.
National Library Week continues to commend librarians who help the
public interpret the information they need to live, learn, and navigate
their way into today's challenging and complicated economy. By
providing free educational opportunities and a safe place for lifelong
learning, libraries help people to explore their curiosities and to
foster community involvement in education.
I want to thank Representative Ehlers for his leadership and for
bringing this important resolution forward.
Again, I want to extend my gratitude towards libraries for their work
in our communities, and I ask my colleagues to support this important
resolution.
Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
Mr. ROE of Tennessee. I yield myself such time as I may consume.
Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of House Resolution 1222,
supporting the goals and ideals of National Library Week. I also would
like to associate my remarks with the gentlewoman from California.
First sponsored in 1958, National Library Week is a national
observance sponsored by the American Library Association and libraries
across the country each year in April. It is a time to celebrate the
contributions of our Nation's libraries and librarians and to promote
library use and support.
In 1957, the National Book Committee developed a plan for National
Library Week based on the idea that, once people were motivated to
read, they would support and use libraries. With cooperation from
various organizations, the first National Library
[[Page H2466]]
Week was observed in 1958 with the theme ``Wake Up and Read!''
Libraries play a vital role in supporting the quality of life in
their communities. The digital divide has narrowed because libraries
provide no-fee public computer and Internet access to meet the growing
need for access to digital and online information, including
eGovernment, continuing education and employment opportunities.
Libraries help us discover a world of knowledge, both in person and
online, and are a key player in the national discourse on intellectual
freedom and equity of access. According to the National Center for
Education Statistics' December 2008 report, library use was up to 1.4
billion visits nationwide among all types of library users, continuing
a long-term trend of increased library usage.
By recognizing National Library Week, we show our appreciation to
libraries, librarians, and staff across America. I am honored to
support this resolution, and I ask my colleagues to join me.
Just as an aside, Mr. Speaker, I would like to encourage everyone,
whether they are parents, aunts, uncles, or just mentors, to take
children to a library and to read and mentor them. It's a great place
to do it. It's a great place to meet, to learn, and to educate
yourself.
I would like to thank Congressman Vernon Ehlers for introducing this.
I reserve the balance of my time.
Ms. CHU. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to recognize for 3 minutes the
gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Davis).
Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. I want to thank the gentlewoman from
California for yielding time.
Mr. Speaker, I rise to express strong support for H. Res. 1222,
supporting the goals and ideals of National Library Week.
The science fiction novelist Frank Herbert stated, ``The beginning of
knowledge is the discovery of something we do not understand.'' Our
national libraries serve as a much needed conduit by which we, as
American citizens, gain more understanding of the world around us.
First sponsored in 1958, National Library Week is a national
observance sponsored by the American Library Association and libraries
across the country each April. It is a time to celebrate the
contributions of our Nation's libraries and librarians and to promote
library use and support. All types of libraries--school, public, and
academic--participate. The City of Chicago is home to exactly 79 public
libraries and to many private libraries with information ranging from
cultural specific research to academic.
In my congressional district, the Seventh Congressional District of
Illinois, we serve as the home of the headquarters for the American
Library Association. I am proud to have this great organization in my
district, and I am pleased that many of its staff members are my
constituents. We have libraries that are renowned, both public and
private, such as the Harold Washington Library and the Newberry
Library.
Last evening, at a town hall meeting in Westchester, Illinois, one of
the trustees of the library board made it known to everybody present
that libraries are vitally important, and I was very pleased to agree
with him.
I also want to congratulate Robert Morris College, one of the
academic institutions in my congressional district, for their
installation of a new library that recently opened. It is magnificent.
Mr. JOHNSON of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to applaud the
actions of the House of Representatives in recognizing the importance
of National Library Week. I strongly support H. Res. 1222, which
recognizes the significant contributions of libraries, librarians, and
library workers to our nation's communities.
In my home state of Georgia, public library usage has increased more
than 10 percent from 2008 to 2009. Libraries are narrowing the digital
divide by providing no-fee public computer and Internet access to
accommodate the growing need for access to digital and online
information. In 2009, the number of public access computer sessions at
Georgia libraries topped 15 million.
The services provided by public libraries are in greater demand in
this economy. Americans use their public library's free Internet access
to assist in their job search. When people economize, they check out
books, magazines, and DVDs instead of buying them. In 2009, more than
68 percent of Americans had library cards, which is the greatest number
of Americans with library cards since the American Library Association
began measuring library card usage in 1990.
Libraries make a difference in the lives of millions of people in the
United States. They are places for opportunity, education, and lifelong
learning. Libraries allow those who may not be able to afford books to
read and explore other cultures. Libraries are a key player in the
national discourse on intellectual freedom and equity of access.
During the District Work Period, I was able to tour the Embry Hills
Branch Library in Chamblee for the dedication ceremony. I also met with
the DeKalb County Library Director, Darro Willey, and Ted Rinehart of
the CEO's administration, to hear about the programs and educational
activities that are taking place.
Libraries in the Fourth District are doing great work. The DeKalb
County Library offers tax assistance. It also gets the community
involved by using designs from DeKalb County residents for its library
cards. The Gwinnett County Library allows patrons to improve their
language skills by practicing conversational English.
Libraries are vital in helping their communities find and use
information and are essential to supporting student achievement. They
are essential institutions because they provide information that allows
citizens to make informed decisions. They level the playing field by
making the world of information available to anyone seeking it.
During National Library Week, I am especially pleased to celebrate
the libraries, librarians, and library workers. I will continue to
encourage residents in the Fourth District of Georgia to take advantage
of the tremendous public service libraries and librarians provide.
I strongly support H. Res. 1222 and urge my colleagues to do the
same.
Ms. JACKSON LEE of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise before you today in
support of H. Res. 1222, Supporting the goals and ideals of National
Library Week. I would like to thank my colleague, Rep. Vernon Ehlers,
for introducing this resolution.
I support this legislation because on National Library Week, April
11th through the 17th, communities across the U.S. will recognize the
contributions made by all library workers including librarians, support
staff, and others who make library services possible. It also promotes
increased public awareness of the significant contributions made by
libraries to further the academic achievement and lifelong learning of
our students. In addition National Library Week strengthens a belief in
the value of libraries and positions librarianship as a desirable
career opportunity.
This year's theme, ``Communities thrive at your library,''
illustrates how the library is at the root of a thriving community,
reminding individuals and informing others that the library is the
place where people of all backgrounds learn and grow together.
America's libraries and their workers remain valuable community assets
during tough economic times. Also, with more businesses requiring
online job applications, job-seeking resources are among the most
critical and popular resources available in U.S. public libraries.
Libraries provide not only the hardware and software applications, but
they also offer skilled librarians who help teach people how to use the
Internet and find the information they need quickly. As the wave of
technology has changed the way we receive and transmit information, the
Nation's libraries and their staffs have met those changes head on!
I would also like to take this time to emphasize the need for pay
equity for library workers, even in this economy. Women librarian
salaries continue to be lower than male library employees. The wage gap
for the Nation remains with women earning 77 cents for every dollar a
man earns. Library employees also continue to receive lower salaries in
comparison with traditionally male occupations with comparable
education requirements and job responsibilities.
In recognizing the valuable contributions to our Nation and citizens
across this country, from libraries, we must not forget the hardworking
individuals who provide such services. Such services will enable us to
educate our citizens and bring them into the era of technology. This
week will also bring to light the need to adequately compensate the
staffers which provide these services.
Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in
support of National Libraries Week. The foundation of our learning and
literacy is based in books and the written word. Our Nation's libraries
offer access to books, newspapers, magazines, the Internet and other
informational materials. There is no other place where any individual
who owns a library card can go in and access materials free of charge
that promotes learning, discovery, opportunity, and self improvement.
It is our libraries and librarians that provide this to millions of
Americans each year.
[[Page H2467]]
While our libraries hold the materials, it is our librarians that
often hold the key. Librarians are the caring and accessible
individuals who lead us on that adventure to knowledge.
Lady Bird Johnson once said, ``Perhaps no place in any community is
so totally democratic as the town library. The only entrance
requirement is interest.'' Libraries reach across barriers of age,
ethnicity, and income to offer a world of learning, discovery and
access to millions of Americans each year.
For those who are trapped in the digital divide, libraries are on the
front line in providing computer and Internet access free of charge and
the resources on how to properly use that technology.
I am especially proud of our many Dallas Public and School Libraries.
In addition to standard library services they offer events to benefit
the community, including everything from classes of song and reading
for infants and their parents to tax preparation for senior citizens.
They are truly committed to the people of Dallas, their well-being, and
their access to learning, and I commend their service.
I am a proud supporter of National Libraries Week and thank all of
those individuals who serve inquisitive minds both young and old in our
nation's libraries.
Mr. ROE of Tennessee. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my
time.
Ms. CHU. Mr. Speaker, I urge passage of House Resolution 1222.
I yield back the balance of my time.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. The question is on the motion offered by the
gentlewoman from California (Ms. Chu) that the House suspend the rules
and agree to the resolution, H. Res. 1222.
The question was taken.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. In the opinion of the Chair, two-thirds
being in the affirmative, the ayes have it.
Ms. CHU. Mr. Speaker, on that I demand the yeas and nays.
The yeas and nays were ordered.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to clause 8 of rule XX and the
Chair's prior announcement, further proceedings on this motion will be
postponed.
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