Recognizing Lois Langer Thompson for Her Dedicated Service to Our Public Libraries

Floor Speech

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Ms. DelBENE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to thank Ms. Lois Langer Thompson for nearly 40 years of invaluable service to our public library systems. Since 2018 Lois has passionately led Sno-Isle Libraries as Executive Director, which provides service to over 800,000 residents across Snohomish and Island counties. Prior to moving to Washington, she served the Hennepin County Library.

I first met Lois in 2019 at the former Lake Stevens Historical Society and Museum, when she told me about her plans to expand Sno- Isle's library system in Lake Stevens with a new, larger library for the community. Since then, I have had the pleasure of working with her and watching her cultivate a thriving library community in Washington's First Congressional District and beyond.

Under Lois' leadership, Sno-Isle Libraries has embedded equity across the organization, built a capital strategy to connect everyone to their local library, completed three library construction projects in Darrington, Edmonds, and Mill Creek, invested in digital equity, launched a commitment to sustainability, expanded the Foundation Board of Directors, strengthened community collaboration, and supported the formation of the first collective bargaining unit for employees. Lois also guided the organization through a pandemic, while adopting new services to allow Sno-Isle to continue providing essential resources to our communities.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring Ms. Langer Thompson and wishing her the best in her retirement. We are grateful for her contributions to the community and will cherish her legacy of service and commitment to creating inspiring, welcoming spaces.

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