[Congressional Record Volume 157, Number 73 (Wednesday, May 25, 2011)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E949]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




              HONORING MONTGOMERY COUNTY PUBLIC LIBRARIES

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                         HON. CHRIS VAN HOLLEN-

                              of maryland

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, May 25, 2011

  Mr. VAN HOLLEN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the 60th 
anniversary of the Montgomery County Public Libraries, a nationally 
recognized library system that I am proud to have located in Maryland's 
Eighth Congressional District.
  Libraries have provided service to Montgomery County residents for 
generations. The first private library was established in 1838, 
stimulating wealthy patrons, clubs, civic associations and 
municipalities to begin libraries for their own communities. The 
Montgomery County Public Libraries system began operations in 1951 with 
the formerly independent libraries in Four Corners, Gaithersburg, 
Garrett Park, Noyes, Sandy Spring, Silver Spring, and Wheaton.
  Today, Montgomery County has one of the leading library systems in 
the nation. It has grown to 21 branches, reaching every corner of the 
county. I am proud that these libraries, staffed by a combination of 
trained and dedicated professionals and volunteers, are able to serve 
so many people. In fact, two-thirds of the residents of Montgomery 
County are active library users.
  Libraries have changed a great deal over the decades. While books and 
printed materials are still vitally important, Internet access, e-books 
and databases are playing an increasingly important role in how 
libraries serve their communities. The Montgomery County Public 
Libraries system has adapted well over the last 60 years, and I am 
confident that it will continue to do so as it enriches the lives of 
county residents, from the youngest to the oldest, by helping to teach 
new skills and providing information, education and recreational 
materials.
  Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to join me not only in recognizing 
the six decades of achievement by the Montgomery County Public 
Libraries, but of the outstanding achievements of public libraries in 
each congressional district throughout our Nation.

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