National Library Week

Floor Speech

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Mr. FOSTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commemorate National Library Week and to celebrate how local libraries continue to be a vital resource in communities across the Nation.

Libraries have evolved beyond buildings of quiet study into engaging community centers where people can gather to collaborate on projects, children can come to participate in educational activities, and job- seekers can use as a resource for help in finding connections with employers.

National Library Week is a perfect opportunity to highlight the services being provided in libraries by librarians and staff focused on creating environments where people can not only find the information they need, but use that information to better themselves and their communities.

Counting both public and private, there are nearly 120,000 libraries across the United States, which together employ more than 350,000 people and provide services to millions of Americans each year. In my district, I have seen this transformation taking place, where access to the latest technologies, like 3-D printers, laser cutters, and video editing centers, can often be found at the local library.

Libraries across the country continue to serve as centers of education, research, and community development, and I extend my thanks to the librarians and their staff.

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