[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 155 (Thursday, October 30, 2003)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Page E2162] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov] TRIBUTE TO THE FRED C. FISCHER LIBRARY ______ HON. THADDEUS G. McCOTTER of michigan in the house of representatives Wednesday, October 29, 2003 Mr. McCOTTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to the Fred C. Fischer Library of Belleville, Michigan, as it celebrates its 50th anniversary this year. Serving the residents of Belleville, Sumpter Township, and Van Buren Township, the Fischer Library was built in 1953, when the public library outgrew its space at the J.C. Pullen Furniture store, and 3 other locations. From 1953 until 1992 the Fred C. Fischer Library remained the quaint and homey 3,500 square foot library it was built to be. Meanwhile, the population of the area grew from 12,400 to over 35,000. The library became increasingly crowded and more bookshelves were needed to accommodate the growing collection. Thanks to contributions from the Belleville Rotary Club's Charles B. Cozadd Foundation, the Simester estate, many smaller individual contributions, federal grants, and the commitment of the City of Belleville, Sumpter and Van Buren Townships, the Fischer Library was able to triple the size of the library, expand its catalog to include just about everything from books to DVDs, as well as offer public internet access, and events for patrons of all ages. The Fred C. Fischer Library continues to live up to its mandate of ``making the library an attractive place for all users, young people particularly.'' Mr. Speaker, I hope my colleagues will join me in thanking the Fred C. Fischer Library for its outstanding service to the people of Michigan, and wish them well in the next 50 years. ____________________