Honoring the Simon Wiesenthal Center Library and Archives

Honoring the Simon Wiesenthal Center Library and Archives

HON. HENRY A. WAXMAN

OF CALIFORNIA IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

Monday, April 10, 2000

Mr. WAXMAN. Mr. Speaker, I am delighted to recognize the Simon Wiesenthal Center--Museum of Tolerance Library and Archives, an extraordinary institution in the 29th District of California, which I represent, that is dedicated to teaching the importance of Holocaust remembrance and the defense of human rights. The Library and Archives is being honored this week in conjunction with National Library Week; chosen by the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) as one of four libraries, nationwide, to receive the first annual National Award for Library Services. The Simon Wiesenthal Center Library and Archives' broad collections document the Holocaust in Nazi Germany and the many other tragic genocides of the 20th century. The library holdings of over 30,000 books and periodicals document antisemitism, racism, and related issues, and are available to researchers, media, students and the public. The archives, containing an extensive array of original documents, manuscripts, personal narratives, diaries, artifacts, photographs, magazines, newspaper, maps, and original artwork, have evolved into a primary research depository for materials dealing with the Holocaust and the pre-World War II Jewish experience. In partnership with the Simon Wiesenthal Center Museum of Tolerance, the Library and Archives maintains a number of excellent education programs to fulfill its mission of teaching the dangers of bigotry and the importance of tolerance. In addition to answering over 500 inquiries a week, hosts numerous visiting authors, scholars and civic leaders to bring its message to the community. The Library and Archives also sponsors a dynamic Contact a Survivor program of direct, electronic, eye-witness discussions between Holocaust survivors and students. The IMLS award is a tribute to the power of libraries to reach families and communities across America and around the world, and the Simon Wiesenthal Center Library and Archives is a deserving recipient. Under the leadership of Adaire Klein, it continues to make a tremendous contribution to preserving the lessons of the Holocaust and the legacy of its victims for future generations. We owe the Simon Wiesenthal Center, Ms. Klein and her staff a debt of gratitude for this distinguished record of accomplishment. I thank them for the devoted service and extend my best wishes for the future.