res26244

R 244

2026 -- H 8446
Enacted 04/14/2026

H O U S E R E S O L U T I O N

PROCLAIMING APRIL 2026, AS "SCHOOL LIBRARY MONTH" IN THE STATE OF RHODE ISLAND

Introduced By: Representatives Kislak, Shekarchi, Blazejewski, Chippendale, Read, Cortvriend, McNamara, Slater, Edwards, and Kennedy

Date Introduced: April 14, 2026

WHEREAS, School librarians grow an individual’s literacy and communication skills to

create a stronger foundation for academic and personal success; and

WHEREAS, School libraries provide students access to books, especially books that

reflect their own lives and experiences, and open their world to history and people who are

different from themselves; and

WHEREAS, School librarians nurture an individual’s ability to think critically, organize

information, and connect their learning to the real world; and

WHEREAS, School librarians encourage learners to not only consume information

safely, but also to create content that contributes to solutions, interests, and the education of

others; and

WHEREAS, School librarians encourage learners to engage as digital citizens, who

participate ethically, appropriately, and critically in our digitally-mediated world; and

WHEREAS, School librarians play a critical role in the teaching and learning processes

that are relevant, accessible, and varied to meet the diverse needs and abilities of learners; and

WHEREAS, The full potential of school libraries is dependent upon well-trained,

professional school librarians whose varied skills assist other educators, learners, and families to

effectively evaluate and use a variety of information resources in diverse formats; now, therefore

be it

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

proclaims April 2026, as "School Library Month" in the State of Rhode Island and urges all

citizens in recognizing school libraries for the critical services they provide to our learners, and

for the positive impact they have on student achievement; 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 School Librarians of Rhode Island (SLRI)

and the Rhode Island Library Association (RILA).

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LC006169

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