2025 -- S 0961 ======== LC002457 ======== S T A T E O F R H O D E I S L A N D IN GENERAL ASSEMBLY JANUARY SESSION, A.D. 2025 ____________ S E N A T E R E S O L U T I O N PROCLAIMING APRIL 6-12, 2025, TO BE "NATIONAL LIBRARY WEEK " IN THE STATE OF RHODE ISLAND Introduced By: Senator Mark P. McKenney Date Introduced: April 08, 2025 Referred To: Recommended for Immediate Consideration WHEREAS, Libraries of all types are at the heart of their communities, serving the cities, 1 towns, schools and campuses across Rhode Island; and 2 WHEREAS, Libraries are accessible and inclusive places that foster a sense of belonging 3 and community; and 4 WHEREAS, Today's libraries and their services extend far beyond the four walls of a 5 building and welcoming all who wish to use their resources; and 6 WHEREAS, For people lacking broadband at home, libraries provide access to 7 computers and Wi-Fi, even checking out Internet hotspots and laptops; and 8 WHEREAS, Libraries strive to develop and maintain programs and collections that are as 9 diverse as the communities they serve and ensure equity of access for all; and 10 WHEREAS, In times of crisis, libraries, librarians, and library workers play an invaluable 11 role in supporting their communities, both in person and virtually; and 12 WHEREAS, Libraries provide access to digital resources, including e-books and lifelong 13 learning tools; and 14 WHEREAS, Libraries are cornerstones of democracy, promoting the free exchange of 15 information and ideas for all; and 16 WHEREAS, Libraries defend the right to read and the premise that "free people deserve 17 to read freely"; and 18 WHEREAS, Libraries have long served as trusted and treasured institutions for all 19 LC002457 - Page 2 of 2 members of the community regardless of race, ethnicity, creed, ability, sexual orientation, gender 1 identity, or socio-economic status; and 2 WHEREAS, Libraries, librarians and library workers are joining library supporters and 3 advocates across the nation to celebrate "National Library Week"; now, therefore be it 4 RESOLVED, That this Senate of the State of Rhode Island hereby proclaims April 6-12, 5 2025, to be "National Library Week" in the State of Rhode Island; and be it further 6 RESOLVED, That this Senate hereby thanks Rhode Island's libraries, librarians and 7 library workers for their service to our community. During this week, we encourage all residents 8 to visit their library to access resources and services. Because of you, libraries transform lives and 9 communities; and be it further 10 RESOLVED, That the Secretary of State be and hereby is authorized and directed to 11 transmit duly certified copies of this resolution to the Office of Library and Information Services, 12 and each Rhode Island City and Town Libraries. 13 ======== LC002457 ========