[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 146 (2000), Part 13]
[Senate]
[Page 18421]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]



                  NATIONAL LIBRARY CARD SIGN-UP MONTH

 Mr. GRAMS. Mr. President, today I rise to recognize September 
as National Library Card Sign-up Month and pay tribute to those 
dedicated individuals who, through their passion for books and 
learning, make our libraries places of great discovery.
  As school begins for millions of children this month, parents and 
mentors are coming together to promote one of the most important school 
supplies, one available free to every child: a library card. With the 
support of the American Library Association, National Library Card 
Sign-up Month spotlights the wealth of resources found at our local 
public libraries. Libraries not only offer books, magazines, and 
reference materials, but many also provide CDs, videos, and Internet 
connections to assist children and adults meet their educational goals.
  There is no better place than our libraries for bringing the world 
and the events that shape it--past and present--to life. Fortunately, a 
child doesn't need any special gadgets to experience all the library 
has to offer; they just need their library card. A library card can 
open the doors to space exploration, put a reader in the front seat 
with a storm chaser, transport anyone with a good imagination back 
thousands of years in time, and offer every imaginable point of view on 
every topic of interest.
  Mr. President, during National Library Card Sign-up Month, I commend 
America's schools and libraries for providing and promoting an 
environment that sparks a passion in people of all ages for books and 
learning. And I urge parents and teachers alike to share their 
knowledge and passion for learning with our children by signing them up 
for library cards at the local public library.

                          ____________________