[Congressional Record Volume 159, Number 65 (Thursday, May 9, 2013)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E638]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 RECOGNIZING THE PIERCE COUNTY LIBRARY SYSTEM'S COMMITMENT AND SERVICE 
          TO THE SOUTH PUGET SOUND REGION OF WASHINGTON STATE

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. DEREK KILMER

                             of washington

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, May 9, 2013

  Mr. KILMER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the employees and 
leadership of the Pierce County Library System, recipients of the 2013 
National Medal for Museum and Library Science. This is the highest 
honor that our nation bestows upon libraries and museums. The library 
system has served Pierce County with steadfast dedication for over 60 
years. This award is well-deserved.
   The Pierce County Library System operates 18 libraries, and serves 
the county's diverse readership of over 555,000 residents. The library 
system has seen a continuous rise in the number of residents that rely 
on the accessibility of the library and its ancillary services.
   For five consecutive years the Pierce County Library System has 
faced major budget reductions. Despite this, the Pierce County Library 
System has found innovative solutions to continue providing excellent 
services to the community.
   Mr. Speaker, the library system's pioneering research informed their 
decision to implement one of Washington State's first non-Dewey Decimal 
systems. It was an immediate success--in the first four hours, 780 
visitors checked out 1,566 items.
   The library system's flagship Early Literacy Program has produced 
outstanding results in the community. Library staff continue to work 
with many partners, including the Pierce County Health Department and 
Child Care Aware of Tacoma/Pierce County, in developing successful 
curriculum and services to provide caregivers and parents with tools 
and training to help children prepare for school. Early learning is 
vital to eliminating the preparation gap and ensuring that every child 
has the building blocks and resources they need to achieve in school 
and in life.
   As I close, I can say with confidence that our community is a better 
place thanks to the careful thought, innovation, and dedication of the 
Pierce County Library System. I am pleased to recognize the service of 
the dedicated employees and leadership of the Pierce County Library 
System today in the United States Congress.

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