[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 47 (Tuesday, March 14, 2023)]
[Senate]
[Page S771]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         ADDITIONAL STATEMENTS

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           CENTENNIAL OF THE CLEVELAND BRADLEY COUNTY LIBRARY

 Mrs. BLACKBURN. Mr. President, it is an honor to join my 
friends in Bradley County, TN, as they gather for the centennial 
celebration of their beloved library.
  The Cleveland Bradley County Public Library is more than just a 
repository for books and historic documents. When a dedicated group of 
local leaders first opened its doors in 1923, they did so knowing that 
there were no taxpayer funds available to support their vision of the 
library as a hub for local life. Not to be deterred, the community came 
together. Organizations like the Kiwanis Club held fundraisers to 
``keep the lights on,'' and the Women's Club held annual ``book 
showers'' to keep the shelves full.
  That dedication to the pursuit of knowledge and community continues 
to this day. I want to thank Bradley County Mayor Gary Davis, city of 
Cleveland Mayor Kevin Brooks, and the library's many employees and 
patrons for supporting this unique and essential institution. I believe 
I speak for all Tennesseans when I say that I cannot wait to see what 
the next 100 years holds for you.

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