[Congressional Record Volume 164, Number 5 (Tuesday, January 9, 2018)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E13-E14]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        RECOGNIZING RICHARD LEE

                                 ______
                                 

                      HON. BRADLEY SCOTT SCHNEIDER

                              of illinois

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, January 9, 2018

  Mr. SCHNEIDER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and thank Mr. 
Richard Lee, a dedicated public servant and dear friend. Mr. Lee is 
retiring this January from his position as executive director of the 
Waukegan Public Library after fifteen years of extraordinary service on 
behalf of our community.
   Under his leadership, the Waukegan Public Library has become an 
indispensable resource for our local community, a place where residents 
can gather to learn, collaborate on school homework, or even just hang 
out with Lizzy, the library's bearded dragon.
   Throughout Mr. Lee's tenure, the library expanded its programs to 
offer literacy classes covering everything from English language 
learning to computer skills to basic reading, writing, and math skills 
for adults. Mr. Lee also oversaw a $1.2 million renovation that 
finished

[[Page E14]]

in 2015, to modernize the facilities and increase cooperative working 
spaces. And the library even hosts a summer concert series.
   The library's inspired initiatives and incredible progress were 
recognized by the Institute of Museum and Library Services, which 
awarded the Waukegan Public Library with the National Medal in 2013, 
the highest national recognition for libraries.
   In fact, it was at the White House award ceremony hosted by First 
Lady Michelle Obama that I first met Mr. Lee and his team. Since then, 
the Waukegan Public Library has been an important partner in my work 
for our community, including allowing us to host regular Neighborhood 
Office Hours to serve residents closer to home, as well as graciously 
providing the venue for a recent ceremony honoring local Vietnam 
Veterans.
   In closing, I want to again thank my friend, Mr. Richard Lee, for 
his dedicated leadership, creativity, and passion over these last 15 
years. I wish him the very best in his well-deserved retirement with 
family and friends.

                          ____________________