speeches by the dcm archive
Inauguration of the America@yourlibrary Partnership with the Cottbus Regional Public Library
Cottbus
June 20, 2005
It is a pleasure to inaugurate the Embassy’s new America@yourlibrary partnership initiative at the Cottbus Regional Public Library.
The U.S. Diplomatic Mission is proud of its close association with libraries. It is our intention to use the America@yourlibrary initiative as a tool to build on these relationships.
Why? Because libraries open doors to cultures around the world and connect people in unique ways. Libraries are places of information and opportunity; they are sources of education and self-help. When you have a question about anything in the world, the library is the place to go. But beyond providing information, libraries broaden our minds and our imaginations. Libraries play a very special role as multipliers and enablers in society. That is why library partnerships are so important to us.
America@yourlibrary will enable the Cottbus Library to extend and expand its information resources relatinfg to the United States. In addition, a Cottbus librarian has been selected to participate in a 3-week exchange program next spring that will enable her to visit the U.S. to learn more about American library services. We are sure that she will return with new ideas for the America@yourlibrary collection here in Cottbus. The Embassy’s Information Resource Center will, of course, continue to be available as a source of guidance and assistance. The basic goal of the partnership is to respond to the information needs in the region regarding the United States. We hope in particular to address the needs of young people. For that reason, we are very happy that a group of students from Humboldt Gymnasium is here today.
As part of the America@yourlibrary initiative, the Embassy will also work in partnership with the libraries to develop workshops, readings and other cultural programs about the United States. This afternoon, for example, an information session on educational exchange will take place here in the library. We hope that it will be well attended.
Our relationship with the Cottbus Regional Public Library goes back to a unique book donation program. In the 1990s, the collections of a number of U.S. Army and USAFE base libraries were donated to libraries in eastern Germany. In 1992, the collection of the Merrell Barracks Library in Nuremberg was given to Cottbus. Today we are donating a selection of books from the Rhein-Main Air Base library as well as a special selection of new books for children.
We are also pleased to officially present the library with a check for Euro 2,500 for America@yourlibrary information resources. Frau Otto, we know that your staff will put the money to good use and choose appropriate materials.
Mayor Rätzel, we commend the staff of the Cottbus Regional Public Library for their commitment, creativity and enthusiasm. This certificate documents our appreciation for their contribution to this new partnership. The first America@yourlibrary partnership is now officially opened.
