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PROCLAMATION TO HONOR THE MOSCOW PUBLIC LIBRARY FOR 100 YEARS OF SERVICE 1906-2006 WHEREAS, Libraries have been in existence for approximately 5,000 years, dating back to libraries built by the Sumerians in Mesopotamia; and WHEREAS, There were great libraries in ancient Egypt, Greece, and Rome; and WHEREAS, During the 500’s BC a ruler of Athens created the first government-owned library in Athens; and WHEREAS, The oldest free public library in America, the Peterborough Public Library, was established in 1833 in New Hampshire; and WHEREAS, Title 33 of State of Idaho Code states: “It is hereby declared to be the policy of the state of Idaho, as a part of the provisions for public education, to promote the establishment and development of free library service for all the people in Idaho. It is the purpose of this act to assure an informed electorate by enabling the provision of free local library service, in the present and in the future, to children in their formative years and to adults for their continuing education;” and WHEREAS, Andrew Carnegie, who funded the construction of over 2,000 free public libraries during his lifetime, including the Moscow Public Library, said, “Man does not live by bread alone…It is the mind that makes the body rich;” and WHEREAS, The members of the Pleiades Club and the Ladies Historical Club organized, staffed, and funded the Moscow Public Library’s precursor, a reading room, raised the necessary funds to build the library building in 1906, and provided the vision, desire, and expertise necessary to make their dream a reality; and WHEREAS, The Moscow Public Library serves as headquarters for the Latah County Library District, allowing both city and county residents high-quality library service and wider access to library materials; and WHEREAS, The Moscow Public Library has provided 100 years of continuous service to its community. NOW, THEREFORE, I, Nancy Chaney, Mayor of the City of Moscow, do hereby recognize 2006 as the Centenary of the Moscow Public Library and extend appreciation to all the Library Boards, Staff members, Friends, and citizens of Moscow throughout the Library’s long history who have worked to create and develop an outstanding library for the good of the greater Moscow community. Dated this 3rd day of June, 2006. Nancy Chaney, Mayor