[Congressional Record Volume 161, Number 52 (Monday, April 13, 2015)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E473]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




             RECOGNIZING THE LIBRARIES OF JACKSON, MICHIGAN

                                  _____
                                 

                            HON. TIM WALBERG

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                         Monday, April 13, 2015

  Mr. WALBERG. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the rich 
tradition of libraries serving Jackson, Michigan.
  Libraries in our community date back to March 15, 1864 when the Young 
Men's Association (YMA) established a reading room. In late 1865, it 
turned into a subscription library for YMA members.
  In 1885, the Jackson Public Library was formed following a new law 
allowing cities to use tax revenue to support a free public library.
  In 1929, the Jackson County Library was created for residents living 
outside the city of Jackson.
  The two separate entities merged together in 1978 to form the Jackson 
District Library.
  Today, the Jackson District Library is a vital anchor of the Jackson 
community where residents of all ages come to learn, research, and 
discover.
  From story-time for children to researching family histories to 
taking an online course, the library provides a wide range of services.
  A hub for community activity, the library will coordinate a festival 
in May 2015 for nationally recognized storytellers where over eleven 
thousand children will attend.
  The Jackson District Library is a place where residents gather freely 
to learn and discuss the important issues of the day and where they are 
continually inspired to acquire more knowledge and skills.
  I ask my colleagues to join me in celebrating 150 years of libraries 
in Jackson County, thank these institutions for all they contribute to 
the community, and wish them another 150 years of success.

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