[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 53 (Thursday, April 15, 2010)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E571]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




           NATIONAL LIBRARY WEEK, KING COUNTY LIBRARY SYSTEM

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                         HON. DAVID G. REICHERT

                             of washington

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, April 15, 2010

  Mr. REICHERT. Madam Speaker, this week we'll be recognizing National 
Library Week all across our great country. In an age of tough economic 
forecasts, and families scrambling to make ends meet while still 
engaging in their communities, libraries around the United States have 
seen more people walk through their doors, visit their websites and 
communicate with their employees than perhaps ever before. Indeed, the 
library systems of America are operating at unprecedented levels. 
Rather than shrinking in their responsibility, many systems are 
proactively courting members of their communities and expanding the 
resources they have available to help push this country forward. I am 
very fortunate to represent the 8th Congressional District of 
Washington, and to observe and follow the work being done by my 
childhood library system, the King County Library System.
  The King County Library System, led by Director Bill Ptacek, is the 
third-busiest library system in the United States. It is a remarkable 
distinction. In his introduction to their year-in-review for 2009, 
Director Ptacek wrote: ``KCLS developed an innovative approach in 
response to the economic crisis to guide patrons to reliable 
information when they needed it most.'' Citizens in our region looked 
to their library system for help and the King County Library System 
responded: In 2009, nearly 10 million people walked through the doors 
of their local library and more than 21 million items were circulated. 
The library catalog of the King County Library System had nearly 89 
million visits and the system's website--kingcountylibrarysystem.org--
received nearly 27 million hits. In other words, I can think of very 
few public organizations busier than the King County Library System and 
the System has responded, stepping up to meet the challenge in a big 
way.
  Director Ptacek and his staff have expanded collections and 
streamlined service using technology and terrific, innovative 
organizational structure and management. The King County Library System 
has increased its technological output and reached out proactively to 
underserved communities in King County with great success. The system 
has ensconced itself in the communities it serves and has become a huge 
asset for families, community groups and local governments. The King 
County Library System has researched and developed programs 
specifically targeting young children in their formative years to get 
excited about literacy and research; they've done the same specifically 
targeting children who speak English as a second language. Overall, the 
King County Library System is providing the people of King County with 
a large public organization that is best described with one word: 
innovative.
  Director Ptacek, his managers, and the employees of the KCLS deserve 
our utmost respect and admiration. The system answers the call of 
communities each and every day, without fail. A large public 
organization with such an innovative spirit and flexible structure 
always deserves accolades and encouragement. I am proud to honor the 
KCLS during National Library Week, during a difficult period and for 
serving our communities in such efficient, creative, and meaningful 
ways.

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