[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 163 (2017), Part 11]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages 15623-15624]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




        HONORING THE CALDWELL PUBLIC LIBRARY'S 100TH ANNIVERSARY

                                 ______
                                 

                      HON. RODNEY P. FRELINGHUYSEN

                             of new jersey

                    in the house of representatives

                       Wednesday, October 4, 2017

  Mr. FRELINGHUYSEN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the Caldwell 
Public Library, located in the Borough of Caldwell, New Jersey, on the 
occasion of its 100th Anniversary.
  The forerunner of the present Caldwell Public Library dates back to 
the post-Revolutionary War era. Pioneers purchased books and founded a 
library in 1804. The number of books increased relatively few to over 
five hundred volumes in the ensuing years. As a result of personal or 
home ownership of books, the interest in the library waned, resulting 
in its dissolution in 1835.
  In early 1894, Caldwell High School held a faculty meeting to discuss 
reading material for students. At that time, nothing was available 
except books owned by the residents in the community. After several 
meetings concerning this matter, the committee concluded that a library 
was needed for the students as well as for the greater public.
  On December 4, 1894, the library opened its doors and the circulation 
for that first day was thirty-five books. Patrons paid a very small fee 
to borrow books. For several years, this was the sole source of library 
revenue.
  By 1907, Professor Hedden, Superintendent of Schools, requested the 
Caldwell Borough Council to submit to the voters a referendum to 
establish a free library under the State Library Act. The measure was 
ultimately accepted and approved.
  On June 8, 1908 a letter from the Carnegie Library Foundation offered 
a sum of seven thousand five hundred dollars to construct a library. 
For the next nine years, the library board was confronted with 
problems, which hindered the construction of a new edifice. Acquiring a 
suitable location was the principal issue, until Mr. George W. Canfield 
of West Caldwell, generously donated $2,000.00 toward the purchase of a 
site for the library. With the contribution, and donations from other 
interested persons, a total of $3,000.00 was accumulated to purchase a 
new location.
  On October 12, 1917 the Caldwell Library was formally dedicated. 
Mayor Peck, who, at the time, was President of the Library Trustees, 
was delivered the key of the building.
  During the First World War, the Council of National Defense made an 
appeal for magazines and books for soldiers on transport ships. Miss 
Hasler designated the library as a collection center for books from 
this area. The public responded enthusiastically by donating more than 
five hundred volumes.

[[Page 15624]]

  On Armistice Day, November 12, 1919, two bronze tablets, installed on 
each side of the front entrance of the Caldwell Library, were dedicated 
and unveiled during auspicious ceremonies. On Memorial Day and Veterans 
Day, the James Caldwell Post 185 of the American Legion, and various 
local veterans organizations conduct joint exercises at this memorial.
  This event served as a turning point for Caldwell, in that the 
library became a focal point for the community; generating civic 
volunteerism. The ``Friends of the Library,'' continue to this day to 
promote its goals.
  The purpose and aim of Caldwell library is to meet the cultural and 
intellectual needs of the people of the area. It is with this goal in 
mind that the library hopes to continue and expand its services to the 
community.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask that you and our colleagues join me in 
congratulating the Caldwell Public Library on the occasion of its 
Centennial Anniversary.

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