2022 -- H 8108

========

LC005733

========

     STATE OF RHODE ISLAND

IN GENERAL ASSEMBLY

JANUARY SESSION, A.D. 2022

____________

H O U S E   R E S O L U T I O N

COMMEMORATING APRIL 3-9, 2022, AS "NATIONAL LIBRARY WEEK" IN THE STATE

OF RHODE ISLAND

     Introduced By: Representatives Morales, Shekarchi, Blazejewski, Williams, Vella-
Wilkinson, Caldwell, Solomon, Chippendale, Fenton-Fung, and Abney

     Date Introduced: April 07, 2022

     Referred To: House read and passed

     WHEREAS, Libraries of all types are at the heart of their cities, towns, schools, and

campuses, serving the communities in Rhode Island; and

     WHEREAS, Libraries are accessible and inclusive places that foster a sense of belonging

and community; and

     WHEREAS, Today’s libraries and their services extend far beyond the four walls of a

building and everyone is welcome to use their resources; and

     WHEREAS, For people lacking broadband at home, libraries provide access to

computers and Wi-Fi, even checking out internet hotspots and laptops; and

     WHEREAS, Libraries strive to develop and maintain programs and collections that are as

diverse as the communities they serve and ensure equity of access for all; and

     WHEREAS, In times of crisis, libraries, librarians, and library workers play an invaluable

role in supporting their communities both in person and virtually; and

     WHEREAS, Libraries are cornerstones of democracy, promoting the free exchange of

information and ideas for all; and

     WHEREAS, Libraries have long served as trusted and treasured institutions for all

members of the community regardless of race, ethnicity, creed, ability, sexual orientation, gender

identity, or socio-economic status; and

     WHEREAS, During the COVID-19 pandemic statewide shutdown, Rhode Island’s

libraries pivoted to provide virtual programs to the community including virtual storytime, book

discussions, reference services, and technology help for parents and students, and also

significantly expanded access to digital resources including ebooks and lifelong learning tools to

continue to serve the needs of residents; and

     WHEREAS, Libraries are true beacons of democracy that strengthen our state and our

nation by preserving our nation's cultural heritage. Lady Bird Johnson once said, "Perhaps no

place in any community is so totally democratic as the town library. The only entrance

requirement is interest"; and

     WHEREAS, Libraries empower individuals, strengthen families, and provide the

cornerstone for a brighter future for all our citizens; now, therefore be it

     RESOLVED, That this House of Representatives of the State of Rhode Island hereby

joins the libraries, librarians, library workers, supporters and advocates across the nation in

commemorating "National Library Week" on April 3-9, 2022. We furthermore thank Rhode

Island’s libraries and library workers for their service to our communities and encourage all

residents to visit their local library to access these valuable resources and services; and be it

further

     RESOLVED, That the Secretary of State be and hereby is authorized and directed to

transmit duly certified copies of this resolution to the Office of Library and Information Services,

and each Rhode Island City and Town library.

========

LC005733

========

LC005733 - Page 2 of 2