[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 156 (2010), Part 11] [Extensions of Remarks] [Page 14952] [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]RECOGNIZING EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR NEEL PARIKH AS THE RECIPIENT OF THE AMERICAN LIBRARY ASSOCIATION'S 2010 SULLIVAN AWARD ______ HON. ADAM SMITH of washington in the house of representatives Friday, July 30, 2010 Mr. SMITH of Washington. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the contributions of Pierce County Library System Executive Director Neel Parikh, who the American Library Association has named the recipient of the 2010 Sullivan Award. I ask that my colleagues join me in honoring Ms. Parikh. The American Library Association's Sullivan Award for Public Library Administrators Supporting Services to Children is presented annually to an individual who demonstrates an extraordinary capacity to support and enrich children through public library services. The Award highlights individuals who demonstrate exceptional understanding and support of public library service for children and produce the best projects and partnerships that help public libraries provide for young learners. It is a privilege to commend Neel Parikh, Executive Director of the Pierce County Library System, as the recipient of the 2010 Sullivan Award. Ms. Parikh originally studied to become a South Asia specialist, while simultaneously working as a children's librarian at the Berkeley Public Library in Berkeley, California. However, after finding her true passion with the public library, Ms. Parikh changed her educational focus to library science and has since been serving as a librarian and administrator in Pierce County. Ms. Parikh has become a leader in providing early learning, training, and support for families, childcare providers, and library staff both locally and across the state. While Parikh believes that early learning is a critical service for all public libraries, she maintains that teen services are equally important. She supported Pierce County Library System in becoming one of the first Libraries of Promise, which seeks to encourage people to build the character and competence of children by providing them access to additional educational outlets. Ms. Parikh's leadership as a strong community collaborator is a testament to her success for advancing early learning forward throughout Pierce County. She has collaborated with social service organizations, schools, and community leaders to build services for young learners. Ms. Parikh is a founding member and chair of the Early Learning Public Library Partnership, a consortium created with the vision that public libraries are full, essential partners in the early learning movement in Washington State. The consortium puts public libraries at the table with other early learning organizations. Under her leadership, the partnership has grown to include 27 public libraries across the state. In addition to her library responsibilities, Ms. Parikh has been active in the Association for Library Service to Children, served on the Public Library Association Board of Directors, and held a seat on the Executive Committee of the Washington Library Association. Parikh is the seventh winner of this award, provided by former American Library Association President Peggy Sullivan. Madam Speaker, I congratulate Neel Parikh on this impressive achievement, and celebrate her commitment to furthering children's education through positive library experiences. ____________________