Political Quotes

“I am pleased to be joined by Senators Collins, Cochran, and Gillibrand in introducing legislation to renew the law that expands the reach of libraries and museums and enables them to better serve their communities. These vital institutions educate, inform, engage, and connect people from all walks of life. This year marks several milestones for library and museum programs at the Federal level. Sixty years ago, in 1956, Congress passed legislation to establish the first Federal program of direct support to public libraries, with the goal of expanding access. Forty years ago, in 1976, Congress established the Institute of Museum Services to provide assistance to museums, including for exhibits and conservation, educational programs, and professional curatorial training. In the following years, the programs were updated and renewed many times to addressing evolving needs for library and museum services. Twenty years ago, in 1996, Congress passed the Museum and Library Services Act, establishing the Institute of Museum and Library Services, IMLS, to house the library and museum programs together for the first time. My predecessor, the late Senator Claiborne Pell, a great champion for expanding educational and cultural opportunities to all communities, was instrumental in passage of this law.…”