[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 162 (2016), Part 10]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 14439]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




IN RECOGNITION OF THE 100TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE LONG BRANCH FREE PUBLIC 
                                LIBRARY

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. FRANK PALLONE, JR.

                             of new jersey

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, November 16, 2016

  Mr. PALLONE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the Long 
Branch Free Public Library as its administration, Board of Trustees, 
members and the Long Branch community celebrates its 100th anniversary 
this year. Its commitment to serving the community is truly deserving 
of this body's recognition on this significant milestone.
  Throughout its history, the Long Branch Free Public Library has 
supported and been supported by the community. At the proposal by a 
group of thirty local women, the Long Branch Free Public Library got 
its start in 1878 as The East Long Branch Reading Room & Library 
Association. For 38 years, The East Long Branch Reading Room & Library 
Association was operated by the group until they turned it over to the 
City of Long Branch in 1916 as a requisite for a Carnegie Corporation 
grant for a new library that city residents had approved via referendum 
that November.
  Since its founding, the Long Branch Free Public Library has been an 
integral part of the Long Branch community and maintains outstanding 
resources and accessibility for its patrons. Over the years, the 
library continued to grow, expanding to a second branch in the Elberon 
section of Long Branch and currently averages 10,000 visits per month. 
It has evolved with technology and the changing needs of its patrons, 
providing computers and free Wi-Fi access, career services, research 
assistance, literacy and citizenship classes, and homebound library 
services among many other vital services. The Long Branch Free Public 
Library also serves as a place for the community to come together, 
offering programs for children and young adults, book clubs, cultural 
events, historical programs and activities for all ages.
  The Long Branch Free Public Library is a welcome place for the 
community to share and has been recognized for its efforts to offer an 
outstanding space for learning and civic involvement. It was selected 
by Asbury Park Press readers as one of the Best Libraries in Monmouth 
County in 2015 and received the 2014 New Jersey State Library 
Innovation Award. Its Director, Tonya Garcia, was also named the New 
Jersey Library Association 2016 Librarian of the Year.
  Mr. Speaker, once again, please join me in celebrating the 100th 
anniversary of the Long Branch Free Public Library. The library 
continues to uphold its mission to assist the community and its efforts 
are to be recognized.

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