[Congressional Record Volume 160, Number 78 (Thursday, May 22, 2014)]
[Senate]
[Page S3290]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                LAS VEGAS-CLARK COUNTY LIBRARY DISTRICT

 Mr. HELLER. Madam President, today I wish to recognize and 
congratulate the Las Vegas-Clark County Library District for receiving 
the National Medal for Museum and Library Service, the highest 
community service honor a museum or library can earn. Nevada is proud 
to have one of its institutions dedicated to the education and 
betterment of the community be chosen for such a prestigious award.
  In its 20th-anniversary year, the National Medal is celebrating 
institutions that have made a significant impact on individuals, 
families, and communities across the Nation. Nevada is honored to have 
the Las Vegas-Clark County Library District selected as one of only 10 
institutions to receive this award. The library has long served as a 
home to community members looking to further their education and 
entertain themselves through the joys of reading. More recently, 
recognizing the growing needs within the community, the library has 
become a haven for those who need a retreat from their homes or as a 
destination for Internet that they cannot afford.
  As Nevada's unemployment rate remains one of highest in the Nation 
and as our national economy continues to struggle, I recognize the 
unique role the Las Vegas-Clark County Library has played in working to 
address the needs of its local community by carefully crafting a 
strategic plan to address the unemployment problems in Nevada. By 
adding more computers so users could fill out job applications online 
and creating programs about managing stress and dealing with 
bankruptcy, the library is able to assist Nevadans during this tough 
time. While our economy continues to recover, vulnerable Nevadan's rely 
on a variety of resources to help them find employment, especially 
those provided by the Las Vegas-Clark County Library District.
  The importance of libraries is exemplified through their community 
engagement, support for afterschool programs, and ability to act as 
learning tools for students. Nowhere is this more apparent than in the 
Las Vegas-Clark County District. As a father of four children who 
attended Nevada's public schools and the husband of a lifelong teacher, 
I understand the important role that libraries play in educating 
Nevada's students. Ensuring that America's youth are prepared to 
compete in the 21st century is critical for the future of our country. 
The State of Nevada is fortunate to be home to a library district that 
offers a large variety of assistance to the members of the community.
  I ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating the Las Vegas-Clark 
County Library District and know that they serve as an example for the 
rest of the Silver State.

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