[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 169 (Saturday, December 18, 2010)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2193]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




          H. RES. 1646 CELEBRATING THE NATIONAL BOOK FESTIVAL

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                         HON. CHARLES B. RANGEL

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                       Friday, December 17, 2010

  Mr. RANGEL. Madam Speaker, I rise today to praise the dedicated 
commitment of the Library of Congress to the promotion of reading 
through its sponsorship of the National Book Festival. I warmly commend 
Representative Daniel Lungren for taking the initiative to introduce H. 
Res. 1646.
  The National Book Festival occurred on September 25, 2010, in 
Washington, DC. President Obama and Michelle Obama served as honorary 
chairs for the important event. Nearly one million people over the past 
decade have attended. This year, approximately 150,000 bibliophiles 
gathered together to meet the 70 best-selling authors in attendance.
  I am proud that the New York State Library, New York Council for the 
Humanities and the Empire State Center for the Book partnered together 
to display New York's rich literary heritage in the Pavilion of the 
States at the National Book Festival. New York author, Rebecca Stead, 
also autographed copies of her 2010 Newbery Award-winning book, When 
You Reach Me. New York's involvement at the mall demonstrated a common 
commitment with the Library of Congress in encouraging the population 
to read.
  Fostering the joy of reading is a valuable goal. Living in the 
digital age does not mean we have forgotten the pleasure of reading the 
printed text. Reading broadens our minds to new possibilities, new 
worlds, new people and new ideas. The future is based on our ability to 
read, digest information and pioneer innovative ideas. Formal education 
in the classroom should be supplemented by self-education.
  Urging more people to read also improves our literacy rate. A 
literate population is necessary to guarantee greater educational 
opportunities, foster life-long learning, jobs, and underpins our 
democracy because elected officials depend on an informed citizenry to 
make decisions.
  I admire and am thankful of the efforts made by the Library of 
Congress to promote the wonder of words.

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