John Sarbanes: “as a strong supporter of Federal programs to strengthen and protect libraries, I am pleased to recognize April 6 to 12…”

“as a strong supporter of Federal programs to strengthen and protect libraries, I am pleased to recognize April 6 to 12 as National Library Week. This is the 45th anniversary of this national observance, and its longevity is evidence of the great importance our Nation places on libraries, books, reading, and education. National Library Week grew out of 1950s research that showed a troublesome trend Americans were spending more money on radios and television and less on buying books. The American Library Association and the American Book Publishers joined forces and introduced the first National Library Week in 1958 in an effort to encourage people to read and to use their libraries. When the free public library came into its own in this country in the 19th century, it was, from the beginning, a unique institution because of its commitment to the principle of a free and open exchange of ideas, much like the Constitution itself. Libraries continue to be an integral part of all that our country embodies: freedom of information, an educated citizenry, and an open and enlightened society. I firmly believe libraries play an indispensable role in our communities. They promote reading and quench a thirst for knowledge among adults, adolescents, and children. More importantly, they provide the access and resources to allow citizens to obtain timely and reliable information that is so necessary in our fast-paced society.”