2022 -- H 8108

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     STATE OF RHODE ISLAND

IN GENERAL ASSEMBLY

JANUARY SESSION, A.D. 2022

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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

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

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campuses, serving the communities in Rhode Island; and

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

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and community; and

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

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building and everyone is welcome to use their resources; and

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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information and ideas for all; and

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

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

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identity, or socio-economic status; and

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

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

 

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

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

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continue to serve the needs of residents; and

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

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

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

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requirement is interest"; and

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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further

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

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

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and each Rhode Island City and Town library.

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