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Today, Congressman Henry Cuellar announced that the Library of Congress (LoC) has made 25 million items – including books, songs, manuscripts, maps, images, and more – available online for free downloads at http://www.loc.gov/cds/products/marcDist.php. Previously, accessing these materials required a paid subscription.

“I hope educators, librarians, students, and parents throughout my district take advantage of this exciting new resource,” said Congressman Cuellar. “I am passionate about education because I have experienced firsthand that it can change your life. That’s why I regularly distribute free books to libraries throughout my district, and why I secure funding for our local schools. With more than 25 million books, songs, images, and more now available online, even more of my constituents will have the opportunity to access Library of Congress materials.”

Congressman Cuellar, a tireless advocate for education, has consistently worked to increase public access to books and educational materials. He regularly collects the Library of Congress’ surplus books and distributes them for free to local libraries throughout Texas’ 28^th district. For example, in April he provided more than 165 books to the new El Cenizo Library, which opened on May 11, and in May he gave 75 books to the Roma Public Library.

The Office of Congressman Cuellar (D-TX-28) delivers more than 165  books to the soon-to-open El Cenizo Library in El Cenizo on Tuesday April 25, 2017. Pictured from left to right are El Cenizo Administrator Dayra Ramos, El Cenizo Mayor Raul Reyes and Outreach Coordinator Francis Atwell.

Rep. Cuellar’s Outreach coordinator for Starr and Hidalgo Counties, Nichole Hernandez, pictured right, delivered 75 books of various grade levels and topics on May 9, 2017 to Elimar Cantu, head librarian for the Roma Public Library.