[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 150 (2004), Part 6]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 7100]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




        TRIBUTE TO THE FRIENDS OF THE DES PLAINES PUBLIC LIBRARY

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. MARK STEVEN KIRK

                              of illinois

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, April 20, 2004

  Mr. KIRK. Mr. Speaker, it is with great honor that I congratulate The 
Friends of the Des Plaines Public Library on their 50th anniversary. 
They have enriched the town of Des Plaines, Illinois for the last 50 
years as an integral support system for the Des Plaines Public Library.
  In April of 1954, a planning committee of the American Association of 
the University Women founded The Friends of the Des Plaines Public 
Library. They have been active in expanding the Des Plaines Library 
since The Friends' inception, most recently helping with a move to a 
larger building in 2000.
  The Friends' original purpose was to stimulate public interest in the 
library, as well as collect data on the history of the town. Today they 
also provide extra financial support for the library for items not 
normally available through conventional budgetary provisions. The 
Friends raises funds using semi-annual book sales, and uses them to 
support programs and purchase items for the library, such as a 
microfiche reader, display cases, original artwork, a sound system, and 
other items.
  In 1957 The Friends were involved in the Library's 50th anniversary, 
and compiled a large file on the history of Des Plaines from 1833 on, 
including photographs, family histories, and industrial development. 
This compilation has since become a part of the Des Plaines Historical 
Society. Since moving into the new library in 2000 The Friends has 
donated, supported, funded and purchased items for more than $53,000. 
In honor of their 50th Anniversary and all The Friends that have come 
before them, they will be presenting the Library with a bronze statue 
of Abraham Lincoln. This statue was sculpted in 1933 for the Chicago 
World's Fair by Guido Rebechini, and will go in the library's atrium on 
permanent display.
  Thank you, The Friends of the Des Plaines Public Library, for all 
your hard work for the library and your community. Your constant 
dedication and commitment is worthy of the highest commendation. Best 
wishes on your 50th Anniversary.

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