[Congressional Record Volume 163, Number 86 (Thursday, May 18, 2017)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E669]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




   COMMEMORATING THE ALPENA COUNTY GEORGE N. FLETCHER LIBRARY'S 50TH 
                              ANNIVERSARY

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. JACK BERGMAN

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, May 18, 2017

  Mr. BERGMAN. Mr. Speaker, it's my honor to recognize the Alpena 
County George N. Fletcher Library as it celebrates 50 years of 
meaningful work in the Alpena community. Michiganders understand how 
important it is to have reliable access to library services, and we are 
so grateful for Alpena County Library's half-century of community 
service.
  The establishment of a public library in Alpena dates to 1860 when 
the up-and-coming community commissioned just $25 a year to maintain a 
collection in the private home of Diane Morse Richardson. Thirteen 
years later, the Alpena Public Schools system began housing the 
library's collection at Alpena High School, where it remained until a 
temporary location on Second Avenue was acquired. In 1967, the Alpena 
County George N. Fletcher Library was officially established as a 
county library serving the educational, social, and historical 
interests of the community. Serving a community of just 2,700 people in 
1860, the library now accommodates a population nearly 15 times that 
size by circulating some 120,000 articles and books.
  In addition to offering an extensive collection of literature and 
other resources, the Alpena County George N. Fletcher Library has 
consistently proven itself to be a leader in the community through 
targeted initiatives that enhance the wellbeing of all citizens. 
Programs like READ Tutors, which helps students achieve new reading 
levels and learn English as a second language, engages our young people 
in activities that help them reach their potential and prepare them for 
the next steps in their lives. The library has also started a new early 
childhood literacy-project called 1,000 Books Before Kindergarten, 
which encourages parents to read 200 books a year to their children 
before the age of five. This program exemplifies the library's 
tremendous efforts to foster academic achievement within the community, 
and promotes childhood development in a robust family setting.
  Mr. Speaker, I want to congratulate the Alpena County George N. 
Fletcher Library for 50 years of service in the Alpena community. 
Northern Michigan residents can take great pride in knowing that Alpena 
is a better place thanks to the work and dedication of the Alpena 
County George N. Fletcher Library. On behalf of my constituents across 
Michigan's First District, I thank the Alpena Community Library for its 
work and look forward to its continued success.

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