September 18, 2019 - Issue: Vol. 165, No. 150 — Daily Edition116th Congress (2019 - 2020) - 1st Session

[Page H7768]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       HONORING PRISCILLA GARDNER

  (Mr. PAYNE asked and was given permission to address the House for 1 
minute and to revise and extend his remarks.)
  Mr. PAYNE. Madam Speaker, I want to take a moment to honor a 
distinguished member of my district. Priscilla Gardner has been a 
staple of the Jersey City community during her 50-year career at the 
Jersey City Free Public Library. Priscilla is known for many successes 
during her time there.
  She created the library's first computer learning center when the 
internet was in its infancy.
  Ms. Gardner established the Jersey City Free Public Library 
Foundation to raise desperately needed funds to improve and expand the 
library when necessary, a successful venture that still exists today.
  Ms. Gardner was project director when they built the first new 
library since 1962, a gorgeous new facility with community and 
children's areas that opened in 2004.
  Ms. Gardner drove fundraising efforts for the library to have a 
bookmobile, one that provided residents with 2,000 books, computer 
terminals, and other media stations.
  Most importantly, Ms. Gardner has been instrumental in the renovation 
and restoration of Jersey City's historic 120-year-old main library.
  Ms. Gardner leaves the library and her city a much better place. Ms. 
Gardner will be sorely missed, and I wish her all the best in her 
retirement.

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