| R 221 |
| 2022 -- S 2864 Enacted 04/07/2022 |
| S E N A T 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: Senators Gallo, Euer, DiMario, Valverde, and DiPalma |
| Date Introduced: April 07, 2022 |
| 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 Senate 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. |
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| LC005757 |
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