HYDE-SMITH PROMOTES LIBRARY OF CONGRESS SURPLUS BOOK PROGRAM DURING BUDGET REVIEW
Hyde-Smith Chairs First Appropriations Hearing, Questions Librarian of Congress on Expanded Outreach to Local Schools & Libraries
VIDEO: Senator Hyde-Smith and Librarian of Congress Carla
WASHINGTON, D.C. – As part of an appropriations hearing this week, U.S. Senator Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-Miss.) promoted a program that provides new books and materials to schools and local libraries.
In her first hearing as chairman of the Senate Legislative Branch Appropriations Subcommittee on Wednesday, Hyde-Smith focused on the Library of Congress Surplus Book Program as part of a review of the Fiscal Year 2020 budget requests for the Library of Congress and Architect of the Capitol.
“The Surplus Book Program is important to rural states like Mississippi and across the country,” Hyde-Smith said. “We provided additional resources to support this program and I hope more Mississippi libraries and schools will take advantage of the chance to improve what they offer students and the public.”
The Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2019 included a provision authored by Hyde-Smith to expand outreach for the Surplus Book Program, and Hyde-Smith sought information on how that funding is being utilized.
Dr. Carla D. Hayden, Librarian of Congress, states that the program is being promoted through its outreach through the Library of Congress website and through congressional offices. She reported that in 2018 the program issued 76,000 items to schools and libraries in 30 states, and that 103 congressional offices participate in the program.
“It mean so much to schools and local libraries, especially libraries and schools that have had damages from tornadoes, hurricanes, fires, to receive brand new books,” Hayden said.
The Hyde-Smith website has information related to the Surplus Book Program available here: https://www.hydesmith.senate.gov/content/library-congress-surplus-books
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