[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 154 (2008), Part 5]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 6990]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




      HONORING THE 100TH ANNIVERSARY OF EAGER FREE PUBLIC LIBRARY

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. TAMMY BALDWIN

                              of wisconsin

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, April 24, 2008

  Ms. BALDWIN. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the Eager Free 
Public Library, EFPL, for 100 years of service to the people of 
Evansville, WI. Since the doors first opened a century ago, the Eager 
Free Public Library has been an invaluable and vital part of the 
community.
  During the 1890s, Wisconsinites embarked on a movement to secure free 
public libraries around the State. However, few were as passionate and 
dedicated to the cause as Mr. Almeron Eager. Eager's passion for 
libraries was evident when he passed away in 1902. In his will, Mr. 
Eager bequeathed $10,000 to the city of Evansville to construct a free 
public library in his name. The library's cost would end up exceeding 
$10,000 but his surviving family members contributed money to cover the 
remaining cost. After several years of searching for the proper site, 
the first construction shovel finally pierced the ground in May 1907 
and the library was dedicated in June 1908. The prairie school style of 
the building would become a trademark design of Claude and Stark, the 
architects of the EFPL.
  One hundred years later, the library still stands tall, in large part 
thanks to the vision of Almeron Eager. As a communitarian, Mr. Eager 
knew that free public libraries are the cornerstone of our democracy. A 
library brings hope and knowledge to our children, fosters intellectual 
freedom, and makes important information readily available to all 
citizens. The mission of EFPL, and so many others, to provide equal 
access to resources makes free public libraries critical to fulfilling 
the promise of a democratic society.
  Not only do our free public libraries provide intellectual enrichment 
but they also serve as an important community gathering place. Through 
a wide range of programs including discussion groups, computer classes, 
and family events, EFPL has worked tirelessly to give every citizen the 
opportunity to fulfill their potential and become an active participant 
in our democracy.
  For the past 100 years, these overarching goals have been the 
foundation of the library's distinguished reputation and unwavering 
commitment to equality and education. I am proud to join the residents 
of Evansville in honoring the family of Mr. Almeron Eager and 
celebrating the 100th anniversary of the Eager Free Public Library.

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