[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 153 (2007), Part 6]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages 8919-8920]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




 TRIBUTE TO THE 100TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE SUSQUEHANNA COUNTY HISTORICAL 
                  SOCIETY AND FREE LIBRARY ASSOCIATION

                                 ______
                                 

                       HON. CHRISTOPHER P. CARNEY

                            of pennsylvania

                    in the house of representatives

                         Monday, April 16, 2007

  Mr. CARNEY. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the 100th 
anniversary of the Susquehanna County Historical Society and Free 
Library Association. The Susquehanna County Historical Society and Free 
Library serve all of Susquehanna County, providing books, services, 
education, and historical information to all of the residents of 
Susquehanna County.
  The Cope family of Philadelphia and Dimock had expressed interest in 
the founding of a free public library, and working with the Historical 
Society, in 1907 merged to better serve the people of Susquehanna 
County. The Historical Society and Library headquarters were opened in 
1907 at the corner of Monument Square and Maple Street in Montrose. The 
building was expanded in 1957, adding a museum space and a Children's 
room. In the first year of the Library's operation, circulation was 
almost 14,000, and last year in 2006, circulation was a quarter of a 
million.
  The Library now serves as a headquarters for the county library 
system. Three other locations throughout the county also offer books, 
CD's, videos, computers and internet access, and other services and 
materials to all of Susquehanna County. The access is not limited to 
those who are able to visit the library, but all inhabitants of 
Susquehanna County. Programs such as Books-by-Mail, Books-on-Wheels and 
Books for the Blind allow books to reach residents throughout the 
county. Outreach librarians bring collections of books and other items 
to deposit stations, as well as throughout the county to classrooms, 
day cares, nursing homes, and preschools.

[[Page 8920]]

  The Historical Society and Museum, founded by W.C. Cruser, occupies 
the top floor of the Montrose building. The Museum charges no admission 
and draws thousands of visitors every year from throughout Susquehanna 
County. Described as a ``jewel of the county,'' the museum's incredible 
collections of art, toys, photographs, tools, clothing, weapons, and 
other artifacts serve as a testament to the history of Susquehanna 
County.
  In closing, Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in 
recognizing the Susquehanna County Historical Society and Free Library 
Association for their 100 years of distinguished service to Susquehanna 
County and the United States of America.

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