Political Quotes

“Mr. Speaker, I rise today in celebration of National Library Week, which began on Sunday and runs through Saturday, April 13. This year's theme is ``Libraries = Strong Communities,'' and Melinda Gates is the honorary chair. In the last 20 years, the Gates Foundation's Global Libraries initiative has been dedicated to enhancing libraries and empowering local communities. National Library Week is an annual celebration highlighting the valuable role libraries, librarians, and library workers play in transforming lives and strengthening our communities. Mr. Speaker, libraries have always been great equalizers in our society. Nearly 1.3 billion people visit public libraries every year, according to the Institute of Museum and Library Services. They are at the heart of our cities, towns, schools and campuses, providing critical resources, programs, and expertise. Libraries provide a public space where all community members--regardless of age, culture, or income level--can come together to connect and learn. First sponsored in 1958, National Library Week is an observance sponsored by the American Library Association and libraries across the country each April. It is a time to celebrate the contributions of our Nation's libraries and librarians and to promote library use and support. All types of libraries, including schools--public, academic, and special-- participate. There are several celebrations throughout the week, including today, which is National Library Workers Day.…”