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On the Passing of Sen. Paul Sarbanes

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Sen. Paul Sarbanes, right, with Librarian of Congress Carla Hayden (then-executive director of the Enoch Pratt Free Library)

I am deeply saddened by the passing of Sen. Paul Sarbanes of Maryland.

In addition to his distinguished Congressional career, Sen. Sarbanes served with his wife Christine on the Enoch Pratt Free Library board in Baltimore and was a staunch supporter of literacy, an advocate for libraries, and a champion of lifelong learning. As Executive Director of the Pratt Library, I have enjoyed a long friendship with Sen. Sarbanes and his family and will remain immeasurably grateful for his support on my appointment as Librarian of Congress in 2016.

On behalf of the Library of Congress, we want to offer our deepest condolences and prayers to our congressional colleague, Rep. John Sarbanes, and to all of Sen. Sarbanes’ family.

Comments (2)

  1. So sad to learn about Senator Sarbanes, a longtime library supporter. I extend my sympathy to his family.

  2. senator sarbanes had honesty ,integrity, empathy, and deep commitment to the american people.in addition to his being the son of immigrant parents, he had huge appreciation for knowledge and world culture. his son john sarbanes is following in his footsteps and his son michael and daughter janet are educators.
    would that we had more of this sorely needed values in public life. he will be missed.
    i celebrate also the library of congress and public libraries everywhere.

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