Supporting the goals and ideals of National Library Week.

Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution (H. Res. 1222) supporting the goals and ideals of National Library Week.

Mr. Speaker, I request 5 legislative days during which Members may revise and extend and insert extraneous material on House Resolution 1222 into the Record.

Mr. Speaker, I yield myself as much time as I may consume.

I rise today in support of House Resolution 1222, which encourages all Americans to take advantage of the numerous resources libraries make available. Across the country, libraries help develop communities by bringing people of all nationalities, ages, and socioeconomic backgrounds together to enjoy the pleasures of literature, media, and new technology. Libraries foster national discourse on intellectual freedom, and provide informational equity across the Nation. Libraries not only provide free resources to adults and children, but they also preserve historical artifacts and information, highlighting societal achievements.

Today we have nearly 123,000 libraries nationwide playing a vital role in creating vibrant, energized communities. Our very own Library of Congress sponsors the annual National Book Festival. Authors, illustrators, and poets gather at the Nation's Capitol to promote reading and literacy in all 50 States.

In fact, President Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama helped sponsor this event as honorary chairs. Last September, the annual National Book Festival was a huge success. With 80 best-selling authors and over 1,000 volunteers, scores of people gathered to promote reading to children.

The Library of Congress is also a great resource for the public. As the largest library in the world, the Library of Congress holds more than 120 million items on approximately 530 miles of bookshelves. The collections include more than 18 million books, 2.5 million recordings, 12 million photographs, 4.5 million maps, and 54 million manuscripts.

National Library Week continues to commend librarians who help the public interpret the information they need to live, learn, and navigate their way into today's challenging and complicated economy. By providing free educational opportunities and a safe place for lifelong learning, libraries help people to explore their curiosities and to foster community involvement in education.

I want to thank Representative Ehlers for his leadership and for bringing this important resolution forward.

Again, I want to extend my gratitude towards libraries for their work in our communities, and I ask my colleagues to support this important resolution.

Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to recognize for 3 minutes the gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Davis).

Mr. Speaker, I urge passage of House Resolution 1222.

I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, on that I demand the yeas and nays.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to applaud the actions of the House of Representatives in recognizing the importance of National Library Week. I strongly support H. Res. 1222, which recognizes the significant contributions of libraries, librarians, and library workers to our nation's communities.

In my home state of Georgia, public library usage has increased more than 10 percent from 2008 to 2009. Libraries are narrowing the digital divide by providing no-fee public computer and Internet access to accommodate the growing need for access to digital and online information. In 2009, the number of public access computer sessions at Georgia libraries topped 15 million.

The services provided by public libraries are in greater demand in this economy. Americans use their public library's free Internet access to assist in their job search. When people economize, they check out books, magazines, and DVDs instead of buying them. In 2009, more than 68 percent of Americans had library cards, which is the greatest number of Americans with library cards since the American Library Association began measuring library card usage in 1990.

Libraries make a difference in the lives of millions of people in the United States. They are places for opportunity, education, and lifelong learning. Libraries allow those who may not be able to afford books to read and explore other cultures. Libraries are a key player in the national discourse on intellectual freedom and equity of access.

During the District Work Period, I was able to tour the Embry Hills Branch Library in Chamblee for the dedication ceremony. I also met with the DeKalb County Library Director, Darro Willey, and Ted Rinehart of the CEO's administration, to hear about the programs and educational activities that are taking place.

Libraries in the Fourth District are doing great work. The DeKalb County Library offers tax assistance. It also gets the community involved by using designs from DeKalb County residents for its library cards. The Gwinnett County Library allows patrons to improve their language skills by practicing conversational English.

Libraries are vital in helping their communities find and use information and are essential to supporting student achievement. They are essential institutions because they provide information that allows citizens to make informed decisions. They level the playing field by making the world of information available to anyone seeking it.

During National Library Week, I am especially pleased to celebrate the libraries, librarians, and library workers. I will continue to encourage residents in the Fourth District of Georgia to take advantage of the tremendous public service libraries and librarians provide.

I strongly support H. Res. 1222 and urge my colleagues to do the same.

Mr. Speaker, I rise before you today in support of H. Res. 1222, Supporting the goals and ideals of National Library Week. I would like to thank my colleague, Rep. Vernon Ehlers, for introducing this resolution.

I support this legislation because on National Library Week, April 11th through the 17th, communities across the U.S. will recognize the contributions made by all library workers including librarians, support staff, and others who make library services possible. It also promotes increased public awareness of the significant contributions made by libraries to further the academic achievement and lifelong learning of our students. In addition National Library Week strengthens a belief in the value of libraries and positions librarianship as a desirable career opportunity.

This year's theme, ``Communities thrive at your library,'' illustrates how the library is at the root of a thriving community, reminding individuals and informing others that the library is the place where people of all backgrounds learn and grow together. America's libraries and their workers remain valuable community assets during tough economic times. Also, with more businesses requiring online job applications, job-seeking resources are among the most critical and popular resources available in U.S. public libraries. Libraries provide not only the hardware and software applications, but they also offer skilled librarians who help teach people how to use the Internet and find the information they need quickly. As the wave of technology has changed the way we receive and transmit information, the Nation's libraries and their staffs have met those changes head on!

I would also like to take this time to emphasize the need for pay equity for library workers, even in this economy. Women librarian salaries continue to be lower than male library employees. The wage gap for the Nation remains with women earning 77 cents for every dollar a man earns. Library employees also continue to receive lower salaries in comparison with traditionally male occupations with comparable education requirements and job responsibilities.

In recognizing the valuable contributions to our Nation and citizens across this country, from libraries, we must not forget the hardworking individuals who provide such services. Such services will enable us to educate our citizens and bring them into the era of technology. This week will also bring to light the need to adequately compensate the staffers which provide these services.

I yield myself such time as I may consume.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of House Resolution 1222, supporting the goals and ideals of National Library Week. I also would like to associate my remarks with the gentlewoman from California.

First sponsored in 1958, National Library Week is a national observance sponsored by the American Library Association and libraries across the country each year in April. It is a time to celebrate the contributions of our Nation's libraries and librarians and to promote library use and support.

In 1957, the National Book Committee developed a plan for National Library Week based on the idea that, once people were motivated to read, they would support and use libraries. With cooperation from various organizations, the first National Library

Week was observed in 1958 with the theme ``Wake Up and Read!''

Libraries play a vital role in supporting the quality of life in their communities. The digital divide has narrowed because libraries provide no-fee public computer and Internet access to meet the growing need for access to digital and online information, including eGovernment, continuing education and employment opportunities. Libraries help us discover a world of knowledge, both in person and online, and are a key player in the national discourse on intellectual freedom and equity of access. According to the National Center for Education Statistics' December 2008 report, library use was up to 1.4 billion visits nationwide among all types of library users, continuing a long-term trend of increased library usage.

By recognizing National Library Week, we show our appreciation to libraries, librarians, and staff across America. I am honored to support this resolution, and I ask my colleagues to join me.

Just as an aside, Mr. Speaker, I would like to encourage everyone, whether they are parents, aunts, uncles, or just mentors, to take children to a library and to read and mentor them. It's a great place to do it. It's a great place to meet, to learn, and to educate yourself.

I would like to thank Congressman Vernon Ehlers for introducing this.

I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Madam Speaker, unfortunately, I missed the following recorded votes on the House floor the legislative week of Tuesday, April 13, 2010.

For Tuesday, April 13, 2010, had I been present I would have voted ``aye'' on rollcall vote No. 196 (on motion to suspend the rules and agree to H. Res. 1222), ``aye'' on rollcall vote No. 197 (on motion to suspend the rules and agree to H. Res. 1041), ``aye'' on rollcall vote No. 198 (on motion to suspend the rules and agree to H. Res. 1042).

For Wednesday, April 14, 2010, had I been present I would have voted ``aye'' on rollcall vote No. 199 (on motion to suspend the rules and agree to H. Res. 1236), ``aye'' on rollcall vote No. 200 (on motion to suspend the rules and agree to H.R. 4994), ``aye'' on rollcall vote No. 201 (on motion to suspend the rules and agree to H.R. 3125), ``no'' on rollcall vote No. 202 (on motion to suspend the rules and agree to H. Res. 1249), ``aye'' on rollcall vote No. 203 (on motion to suspend the rules and agree to H. Res. 1246).

For Thursday, April 15, 2010, had I been present I would have voted ``no'' on rollcall vote No. 204 (on agreeing to H. Res. 1248, which provides for consideration of H.R. 4715), ``aye'' on rollcall vote No. 205 (on motion to suspend the rules and agree to H. Res. 1062), ``aye'' on rollcall vote No. 206 (on motion to refer H. Res. 1255, raising a question of the privileges of the House), ``no'' on rollcall vote No. 207 (on Shea-Porter amendment to H.R. 4715), ``aye'' on rollcall vote No. 208 (on motion to recommit H.R. 4715 with instructions), ``no'' on rollcall vote No. 209 (on passage of H.R. 4715), ``aye'' on rollcall vote No. 210 (on motion to suspend the rules and agree to H. Res. 1242), ``no'' on rollcall vote No. 211 (On motion to concur in the Senate amendment to H.R. 4851, the Continuing Extension Act).