[Congressional Record Volume 157, Number 27 (Friday, February 18, 2011)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E289]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




   IN RECOGNITION OF THE WEST BLOOMFIELD PUBLIC LIBRARY RECEIVING A 
             NATIONAL MEDAL FOR MUSEUM AND LIBRARY SERVICE

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                          HON. GARY C. PETERS

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                       Friday, February 18, 2011

  Mr. PETERS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the West 
Bloomfield Township Library as it is honored by the Institute of Museum 
and Library Services with a National Medal for Museum and Library 
Service.
  This medal, which was presented to just five libraries nationally in 
2010, recognizes the exceptional contributions the West Bloomfield 
Public Library has made to its surrounding communities. Founded in 1934 
as a project of the Keego-Cass Women's Club, the Library's main branch 
has expanded into a 63,000 square foot state-of-the-art facility with 
computer access for community residents and public meeting spaces, in 
addition to an expanded youth area which has allowed the Library to 
strengthen the depth and breadth of its youth-focused programming.
  The National Medal recognized libraries that demonstrate innovative 
approaches to providing their services to the public, and whose 
programming focuses on expanding cross-cultural awareness and dialogue. 
Particularly recognized were two of the Library's programs, the ``Grow 
Up Reading'' program and the ``Help is Here'' initiative. Focused on 
youth, the ``Grow Up Reading'' promotes parental involvement in 
childhood development through development reading skills from birth 
through third grade, helping children build good fundamental reading 
comprehension and critical thinking skills. On the adult end of the 
Library's programming spectrum, the ``Help is Here'' initiative brings 
counselors from Oakland Community College and professionals from Jewish 
Vocational Services together to provide resume critiquing services to 
community members.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me today in recognizing the 
outstanding service the West Bloomfield Public Library provides to its 
community and congratulating the Library staff on receiving the 
National Medal for Museum and Library Service.

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