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Library Stories

We have invited the legislators in NSLS's legislative districts to provide us with stories about their experiences, memories of, or thoughts on libraries. Their responses are presented below.

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Melissa Bean, Representative, U.S. House of Representatives, 8th District

One of my favorite perks about being a Congresswoman is that I have access to the Library of Congress.  I've told my kids that they'll never be able to stump me with a homework question, because I have access to the Library of Congress to find the answers.  I only wish I had more time to spend there!

I've always loved libraries. In fact, I worked in the library in high school, and I remember that job fondly.

When my older daughter, Victoria, was in first grade, she told her teacher that her goal in life was to read every book ever written.  That was one of those moments when I thought, "I must be doing something right as a parent." Beyond everything else, literacy forms the core of our entire educational system, for reading truly is our gateway to knowledge.

Elizabeth Coulson, Representative, Illinois General Assembly, 17th House District

My Aunt Oline was a public librarian who worked with children and adults, and her husband was a state senator. We would help my uncle with tasks when he ran for office, and we would always visit Aunt Oline's library as well. We were encouraged by our aunt to be good readers, and I would take out 20 books at a time, reading them with a flashlight under the covers when I was supposed to be asleep! My grandmother would buy us all the Caldecott award books, and one of my favorite books is still Make Way for Ducklings. Other favorites were The Secret Garden, Little Women, all the Anne of Green Gables books, Rebecca of Sunnybrook Farm, and mysteries, particularly Nancy Drew and the Bobbsey Twins, which I now read to my own nieces. To this day I love libraries; they have high quality books, a great variety, and you don't have to buy them!

Every summer my dad encouraged us to have fun and to also read a book a week and give him a book report. That is the inspiration for my Summer Reading Club for students K-8 to read one book a week (8 books) during summer vacation. Approximately 300 children participated last summer, and we're thinking of expanding it to high school.

Because of my family's encouragement, I am now a voracious reader and library user!

Elaine Nekritz, Representative, Illinois General Assembly, 57th House District

I commend our local libraries for the valuable and critical services that they provide.  As a reader, I appreciate the availability of a wide range of reading material.  As an elected official, the library is most useful to me as a place for public meetings with constituents.  Each library in our community has impressive facilities and is a central meeting place for local residents.  The availability of library facilities allows me to improve communication with constituents.  Easy access to the library encourages constituents to attend public meetings.  In that sense, libraries strengthen neighborhood bonds and make residents proud of the community in which they live. 

William E. Peterson, State Senator, 26th District

It would probably be more interesting if I could write and article going into great detail on how difficult it was to start a new library in a rural area.  It would be more exciting if I could give some details or intrigue regarding its inception.  However, the simple facts are that, although the area was very rural, the residents realized the need for a library.  They recognized the vital role that a library plays in a community. They were aware of the opportunities that a library presents and the worlds that are opened to  those who use a library.  In short, everyone supported the Vernon Area Public Library District.

The referendum was overwhelmingly passed, the building was built, and the community has enjoyed it ever since.  I'm proud to have played a part in getting the Vernon Area Public Library District started and have never regretted supporting it or any library that is serving its popluation.