[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 65 (Tuesday, May 4, 2010)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E745]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                IN HONOR AND RECOGNITION OF JOHN LONSAK

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                        HON. DENNIS J. KUCINICH

                                of ohio

                    in the house of representatives

                          Tuesday, May 4, 2010

  Mr. KUCINICH. Madam Speaker, I rise today in honor and recognition of 
John Lonsak on the occasion of his retirement after 41 years of service 
to the library system of Greater Cleveland.
  For eight years, Mr. Lonsak served as executive director of the 
Cuyahoga County Public Library system. He also served as regional 
library manager for the Parma and Fairview Park library systems. Mr. 
Lonsak has worked to promote and develop innovative projects and 
programs hosted at the Rocky River Library and throughout the Rocky 
River community. He served as past president of the Cleveland 
Metropolitan Library system and is a lifelong member of the Ohio 
Library Council and the American Library Association. In 2001, Mr. 
Lonsak was honored with the Director Award by the Ohio Library Council 
and was named the Librarian of the Year for his development of a 
universal library card.
  Mr. Lonsak's enthusiasm for libraries began in childhood when his 
mother regularly brought him to story hours at the Eastman branch of 
the Cleveland Public Library. He earned a bachelor's degree from 
Cleveland State University and a Master of Library Science from Case 
Western University. When he became director of the Rocky River library 
six years ago, Mr. Lonsak worked to oversee an expansive renovation 
project, which included the restoration of the interior built in 1928, 
an expansion of the children's department and the renovation of the 
public computer center. A new lobby and children's room were also 
included in the renovation.
  Madam Speaker and colleagues, please join me in honor and recognition 
of John Lonsak, whose service to the Greater Cleveland Community is 
deeply appreciated.

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