[Congressional Record Volume 170, Number 115 (Thursday, July 11, 2024)]
[House]
[Page H4592]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]





   CONGRATULATING HARRIS COUNTY PUBLIC LIBRARY AND CHILDREN'S MUSEUM 
                                HOUSTON

  (Ms. GARCIA of Texas asked and was given permission to address the 
House for 1 minute and to revise and extend her remarks.)
  Ms. GARCIA of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize two 
Houston-area institutions, the Harris County Public Library and the 
Children's Museum Houston, for winning the 2024 National Medal for 
Museum and Library Service, the highest honor in their field.
  This is an incredible achievement for the museum and library staff, 
who pour their hearts into ensuring that every child can reach their 
full potential.
  Growing up poor in south Texas, we didn't have a library, but we had 
the county send us the bookmobile that came to our farm every month. I 
enjoyed every single book in that bookmobile. I have always said that 
but for the books that that bookmobile brought to me, I probably would 
not be where I am today.
  Books and museums allow kids to explore, dream, create, and open 
their eyes. These resources are vital and must be preserved, especially 
during the summer. Access to museums and libraries over the summer 
allows children to be ever inspired and entertained.
  Instead of banning books, we should be building libraries, making 
them a learning hub for our communities. We must put books over bans.

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