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Washington, D.C. -- Rep. Rush Holt (NJ-12) today hosted a group of librarians from Central New Jersey for a day-long session with policy makers and other experts to discuss issues affecting local libraries. Rep. Holt’s “Librarian D.C. Day” included presentations by several lawmakers and representatives from the Library of Congress, the American Library Association, and The Center for the Book.
“I’m delighted to welcome Central New Jersey ’s librarians to Washington,” said Holt. “Every day, our communities benefit from the phenomenal work of libraries. Proper funding for libraries and the educational programs they provide is essential. Libraries are sources of learning, and they represent a vital educational resource in towns and cities across the country. We owe a great deal to librarians, who make these resources available and accessible to us.”
Holt’s “Librarian D.C. Day” featured meetings with top Washington D.C. policymakers to discuss issues such as: the impact of the Patriot Act on local libraries; access to government information; the Universal Service discount program, or “E-rate’; and grants available to libraries. The sessions provided participants with an opportunity to learn the latest developments in Congress and ask questions of the people making decisions on funding and implementation. Speakers included former librarian and Representative Major Owens (D-NY); Representative Bernard Sanders (I-VT); John Cole of The Center for the Book; Mary Chute of Deputy Director for Library Services, The Institute of Museum and Library Services; and Emily Sheketoff Executive Director of the American Library Association.
Representatives from more than a dozen libraries and educational institutions with libraries participated in the event, including The Central Jersey Regional Library Cooperative (a lead organizer of the event), the Eastern New Jersey Regional Library Cooperative, The College of NJ, West Windsor-Plainsboro High School North, West Windsor-Plainsboro High School South, the Ocean County Library, Indian Hill School, Timberlane School, Mercer County Library, Bradley Beach Public, Educational Media Association, Pinebrook School, and the New Jersey State Library.
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