[Congressional Record Volume 162, Number 55 (Tuesday, April 12, 2016)]
[House]
[Page H1602]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         NATIONAL LIBRARY WEEK

  (Mr. FOSTER asked and was given permission to address the House for 1 
minute.)
  Mr. FOSTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commemorate National Library 
Week and to celebrate how local libraries continue to be a vital 
resource in communities across the Nation.
  Libraries have evolved beyond buildings of quiet study into engaging 
community centers where people can gather to collaborate on projects, 
children can come to participate in educational activities, and job-
seekers can use as a resource for help in finding connections with 
employers.
  National Library Week is a perfect opportunity to highlight the 
services being provided in libraries by librarians and staff focused on 
creating environments where people can not only find the information 
they need, but use that information to better themselves and their 
communities.
  Counting both public and private, there are nearly 120,000 libraries 
across the United States, which together employ more than 350,000 
people and provide services to millions of Americans each year. In my 
district, I have seen this transformation taking place, where access to 
the latest technologies, like 3-D printers, laser cutters, and video 
editing centers, can often be found at the local library.
  Libraries across the country continue to serve as centers of 
education, research, and community development, and I extend my thanks 
to the librarians and their staff.

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