[Congressional Record Volume 167, Number 164 (Wednesday, September 22, 2021)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Page E1006] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov] HONORING AMERICAN LIBRARY ASSOCIATION PRESIDENT JULIUS JEFFERSON ______ HON. ELEANOR HOLMES NORTON of the district of columbia in the house of representatives Wednesday, September 22, 2021 Ms. NORTON. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize and congratulate Julius C. Jefferson, Jr., for his service this past year as the national president of the American Library Association (ALA). A fourth- generation native of Washington, D.C., Julius received his bachelor's degree in history from Howard University and his master's degree in library science from the University of Maryland. As a librarian, Mr. Jefferson has spent his career committed to advocacy, information policy, diversity, equity and inclusion and professional and leadership development. In recognition of his leadership and dedication to librarianship, the members of the ALA elected Mr. Jefferson to be their 2020-2021 president. Like so many of us, libraries have had to adapt to changing circumstances during the pandemic, and Julius provided extraordinary leadership throughout this time. Mr. Jefferson began his term as ALA president with a virtual tour of 12 libraries. The ``Holding Space'' tour is what he called a series of virtual conversations that highlighted the innovation and impact of a diverse range of libraries around the nation. The ``Holding Space'' tour engaged stakeholders, including elected officials at every level of government, to advocate for libraries and the communities they serve. I note that many of us in Congress benefit directly from the work of Mr. Jefferson, who serves as a section head of the Congressional Research Service at the Library of Congress. Mr. Jefferson has also served as president of the national Freedom to Read Foundation and of the Washington, D.C. Library Association. As a member of several boards, including the Black Caucus of the American Library Association, Mr. Jefferson has worked to diversify the profession of librarianship and elevate the principles of diversity, equity and inclusion. Once again, I want to congratulate Julius Jefferson on his term as President of the American Library Association. ____________________