14R-070

WHEREAS, February 11^th marks the official celebration of "Library Legislative Awareness Day" in our state. This year's theme is "Libraries Change Lives"; and

WHEREAS, Literacy skills are essential for effective participation in our democracy, in the workplace, in the community, and within family life. Evidence shows that low or minimal literacy skills can condemn entire families to isolation, poverty and dependence; 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 Senate of the State of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations hereby celebrates "Library Legislative Awareness Day." We furthermore express our sincere gratitude to those dedicated individuals who work, volunteer, and advocate for libraries across our state; and be it further

RESOLVED, That the Secretary of State be and hereby is authorized and directed to transmit a duly certified copy of this resolution to The Rhode Island Library Association.