R 175

2021 -- H 6206 Enacted 04/06/2021

H O U S E   R E S O L U T I O N

COMMEMORATING APRIL 4-10, 2021, AS "NATIONAL LIBRARY WEEK" IN THE STATE OF RHODE ISLAND

Introduced By: Representatives Fenton-Fung, Baginski, Potter, Blazejewski, Shekarchi,

Date Introduced: April 06, 2021

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 who were and those who continue to be unable to visit the

library in person; and

WHEREAS, In addition, during the COVID-19 pandemic, libraries expanded outdoor

parking lot Wi-Fi networks to help provide high-speed internet access to those who do not have it

available in their homes; and

WHEREAS, Rhode Island’s public libraries began to re-open to the public in June 2020

and provided curbside and in-person pick-up of library materials and access to public computers;

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 4 - 10, 2021. 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 Ed Garcia, Cranston Public Libraries, and The

Rhode Island Library Association.

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