For Immediate Release
Office of Mrs. Bush
April 8, 2003
Remarks by Mrs. Bush at the National Library Week Celebration EOP Virtual Library Launch
Thank you, Stacia for your warm welcome. And thank you, White House
librarians for the wonderful work that you do here at the Library of
the Executive Office of the President. This library is a valuable
center of knowledge within the White House. Since it opened 125 years
ago, the library has grown from a small reference collection to a
modern research facility, with a strong concentration in American
history and government.
But books, information and computers alone do not make libraries
great - librarians do. Your job is an important one. Many offices
within the White House rely on the research and information that you
provide. By collecting, cataloging and sharing this information, you
bring the library to life for White House employees.
I admire the work librarians do so much that I decided to become
one. And there is no greater joy for a librarian than to introduce a
new service that will help patrons better access information. The new
EOP Virtual Library will do just that. With a database center, online
catalog, subject indexes, and "Ask a Librarian" feature - the Virtual
Library will greatly enhance the library experience for patrons.
Today, using technology to deliver the services you provide is
critical. Libraries continue to lead the way in information gathering
and sharing services. The Internet is a valuable research tool that
provides access to limitless information. But the Internet's greatness
is dependent upon everyone being able to use it effectively.
The new EOP virtual library will enable patrons to access
information on the Internet readily and easily. Websites and articles
will be organized by subject and will save patrons time searching for
information.
Launching the EOP Virtual Library today is a perfect start to
National Library Week. This week is not only a celebration of our
nation's libraries, but of the people who make them great - each one of
you. It is a time to recognize and thank librarians for the valuable
work you do in schools, businesses and communities across America.
As we launch the virtual public library, we launch a new chapter in
the history of the Library of the Executive Office of the President -
and we ensure that this institution continues to be a living repository
for history, information and education.
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