R 371

2015 -- H 6308 Enacted 06/11/2015

H O U S E   R E S O L U T I O N

SUPPORTING THE APPOINTMENT OF JOAN RESS REEVES AS A BOARD MEMBER EMERITUS TO THE LIBRARY BOARD OF RHODE ISLAND

Introduced By: Representatives Ajello, and Hearn

Date Introduced: June 11, 2015

WHEREAS, A quote from a Denver Post editorial sums up the whole-hearted

commitment and sentiment Joan Ress Reeves has contributed to her chosen profession,

"Librarians are very special people. They are the caregivers of the world of the mind, the

nurturers of dreams and the defenders of truth. Perhaps no other profession is so marked by the

singular generosity of its practitioners"; and

WHEREAS, For more than three decades, Joan Ress Reeves has dedicated her time and

copious talents to the benefit of myriad local and national libraries; and

WHEREAS, Ms. Reeves has served as both a delegate and Chair to the White House

Conference on Library and Information Services, and has testified before the United States

Congress in support of libraries. In addition, she has served on the American Library

Association's (ALA) Committee on Legislation, the ALA Grassroots Advocacy Committee, and

the United for Libraries Legislative Committee; and

WHEREAS, Locally, Ms. Reeves is one of the founders and serves as the Chair Emerita

of the Rhode Island Coalition of Library Advocates; and

WHEREAS, Ms. Reeves has been honored for her tireless efforts in advocating for

libraries and her contributions to the betterment of our state and national libraries with numerous

recognitions including, the lifetime achievement Award from the University of Rhode Island

Graduate School of Library and Information Studies; and

WHEREAS, As the former Chair and a longstanding, active member of The Library

Board of Rhode Island, Ms. Reeves has earned the respect and gratitude of its entire membership

for her significant contributions and the depth of knowledge she has, and continues to contribute

to the Board; and

WHEREAS, Rhode Island General Law 29-3.1 limits successive terms for members of

the Library Board of Rhode Island, thus resulting in the significant loss of Ms. Reeves' continued

contributions of her valued experience and knowledge as a vital resource to the Library Board;

now, therefore be it

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

Providence Plantations hereby respectfully requests Governor Gina Raimondo to appoint Joan

Ress Reeves as Member Emeritus to the Library Board of Rhode Island, and in that capacity, to

welcome and encourage her to attend all future meetings, engage in debate and discussion, join

subcommittees, and enjoy all non-voting privileges of the Board; 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 Honorable Gina Raimondo and Ms. Joan

Ress Reeves.

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LC002845

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