Political Quotes

“Mr. Speaker, I rise today to applaud the actions of the House of Representatives in recognizing the importance of National Library Week. I strongly support H. Res. 1222, which recognizes the significant contributions of libraries, librarians, and library workers to our nation's communities. In my home state of Georgia, public library usage has increased more than 10 percent from 2008 to 2009. Libraries are narrowing the digital divide by providing no-fee public computer and Internet access to accommodate the growing need for access to digital and online information. In 2009, the number of public access computer sessions at Georgia libraries topped 15 million. The services provided by public libraries are in greater demand in this economy. Americans use their public library's free Internet access to assist in their job search. When people economize, they check out books, magazines, and DVDs instead of buying them. In 2009, more than 68 percent of Americans had library cards, which is the greatest number of Americans with library cards since the American Library Association began measuring library card usage in 1990. Libraries make a difference in the lives of millions of people in the United States. They are places for opportunity, education, and lifelong learning. Libraries allow those who may not be able to afford books to read and explore other cultures. Libraries are a key player in the national discourse on intellectual freedom and equity of access.…”