[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 153 (2007), Part 14]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 19529]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                      TRIBUTE TO MR. JACK KESSLER

                                 ______
                                 

                       HON. SHELLEY MOORE CAPITO

                            of west virginia

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, July 17, 2007

  Mrs. CAPITO. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the 
accomplishments of a constituent of mine, Mr. Jack Kessler; 
specifically his forty-two years of service as President of the Putnam 
County Library Board.
  As the board's founding President, Jack oversaw the birth of the 
county's library which in 1961 consisted of little more than a 
bookmobile and storage house. From those humble beginnings, however, 
the library blossomed. By the time Jack retired, after 4 decades of 
leadership, the Putnam County Library had grown to comprise five 
buildings, including four branches servicing communities across the 
county.
  Jack left another, more direct, legacy when he retired. His daughter 
Jackie now serves as the library's director. Noting the family 
connection, Jack jokes he always has more than enough books to read.
  Madam Speaker, for much of American history local libraries have 
provided communities with opportunities for advancement through 
education. Putnam County Library's branches, summer programs and volume 
after volume of books has benefited generations of West Virginia 
residents. The most enduring aspect of Jack Kessler's legacy is the 
benefit for generations yet to come.
  I thank Jack for his years of service and Putnam County is fortunate 
to call Jack one of its own.

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