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Congressman Ralph Regula (R-16th Congressional District, OH) is the 17th recipient of the Public Service Award given annually by Friends of Libraries U.S.A. This award is given to Congressman Regula for his distinguished support of libraries and education. FOLUSA presents the Public Service Award annually to a legislator who has been especially supportive of libraries.

“I’m truly honored to be selected for this award,” said Congressman Regula. “I know that libraries are critical to an independent and self-determining democracy. There is no substitute for libraries in supporting life-long learning and continued intellectual growth of our citizens.”

According to the Stark County District Library, “Congressman Regula, a strong supporter for libraries, often credits the Bookmobile Department of the Stark County District Library for his love of reading. He would walk quite a distance so he could read the latest magazine, pick up his favorite books on history and read the latest best seller.”

In addition to receiving FOLUSA's Public Service Award, Congressman Regula was presented with an award from the board of the Ohio State Library. Lucille Hastings, state library board president, praised Regula for "finding money when we need it and making it available to our libraries." Approximately 20 Ohio librarians and supporters were among the 200 on hand at the award reception.