[Congressional Record Volume 165, Number 61 (Tuesday, April 9, 2019)]
[House]
[Page H3134]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                IN CELEBRATION OF NATIONAL LIBRARY WEEK

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Chair recognizes the gentleman from 
Pennsylvania (Mr. Thompson) for 5 minutes.
  Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in 
celebration of National Library Week, which began on Sunday and runs 
through Saturday, April 13.
  This year's theme is ``Libraries = Strong Communities,'' and Melinda 
Gates is the honorary chair.
  In the last 20 years, the Gates Foundation's Global Libraries 
initiative has been dedicated to enhancing libraries and empowering 
local communities.
  National Library Week is an annual celebration highlighting the 
valuable role libraries, librarians, and library workers play in 
transforming lives and strengthening our communities.
  Mr. Speaker, libraries have always been great equalizers in our 
society. Nearly 1.3 billion people visit public libraries every year, 
according to the Institute of Museum and Library Services.
  They are at the heart of our cities, towns, schools and campuses, 
providing critical resources, programs, and expertise. Libraries 
provide a public space where all community members--regardless of age, 
culture, or income level--can come together to connect and learn.
  First sponsored in 1958, National Library Week is an observance 
sponsored by the American Library Association and libraries across the 
country each April.
  It is a time to celebrate the contributions of our Nation's libraries 
and librarians and to promote library use and support. All types of 
libraries, including schools--public, academic, and special--
participate.
  There are several celebrations throughout the week, including today, 
which is National Library Workers Day. It is a time to show 
appreciation for the staff, administrators, and Friends groups, and 
recognize the valuable contributions made by all library employees.
  Tomorrow is National Bookmobile Day, which is celebrated today to 
recognize contributions of our Nation's bookmobiles and dedicated 
professionals who make outreach possible and books accessible in our 
rural communities.
  Mr. Speaker, from the largest library in the world, the Library of 
Congress, to the smallest local libraries around, I hope Americans will 
support their local libraries this week with a visit.

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