Mr. REICHERT. Madam Speaker, this week we'll be recognizing National
Library Week all across our great country. In an age of tough economic
forecasts, and families scrambling to make ends meet while still
engaging in their communities, libraries around the United States have
seen more people walk through their doors, visit their websites and
communicate with their employees than perhaps ever before. Indeed, the
library systems of America are operating at unprecedented levels. Rather than shrinking in their responsibility, many systems are proactively courting members of their communities and expanding the resources they have available to help push this country forward. I am very fortunate to represent the 8th Congressional District of Washington, and to observe and follow the work being done by my childhood library system, the King County Library System.
The King County Library System, led by Director Bill Ptacek, is the
third-busiest library system in the United States. It is a remarkable
distinction. In his introduction to their year-in-review for 2009, Director Ptacek wrote: "KCLS developed an innovative approach in response to the economic crisis to guide patrons to reliable information when they needed it most." Citizens in our region looked to their library system for help and the King County Library System responded: In 2009, nearly 10 million people walked through the doors of their local library and more than 21 million items were circulated. The library catalog of the King County Library System had nearly 89 million visits and the system's website--kingcountylibrarysystem.org-- received nearly 27 million hits. In other words, I can think of very few public organizations busier than the King County Library System and the System has responded, stepping up to meet the challenge in a big way.
Director Ptacek and his staff have expanded collections and
streamlined service using technology and terrific, innovative
organizational structure and management. The King County Library System
has increased its technological output and reached out proactively to
underserved communities in King County with great success. The system
has ensconced itself in the communities it serves and has become a huge
asset for families, community groups and local governments. The King
County Library System has researched and developed programs
specifically targeting young children in their formative years to get
excited about literacy and research; they've done the same specifically
targeting children who speak English as a second language. Overall, the
King County Library System is providing the people of King County with
a large public organization that is best described with one word: innovative.
Director Ptacek, his managers, and the employees of the KCLS deserve
our utmost respect and admiration. The system answers the call of
communities each and every day, without fail. A large public
organization with such an innovative spirit and flexible structure
always deserves accolades and encouragement. I am proud to honor the
KCLS during National Library Week, during a difficult period and for
serving our communities in such efficient, creative, and meaningful
ways.