Expressing support for the staff of public, school, academic, and special libraries in the United States and the essential services those libraries provide to communities, recognizing the need for funding commensurate with the broad scope of social service and community supports provided by libraries, preserving the right of all citizens of the United States to freely access information and resources in their communities, supporting a strong union voice for library workers, and defending the civil rights of library staff.
This resolution aims to reaffirm the rights of library workers, including their right to unionize and advocate for safer working environments. It advocates for full funding of library services at all levels of government to ensure these institutions can meet the expanding demands of their communities. The bill asserts that libraries serve as a critical infrastructure that enable citizens to access information freely, thereby supporting the democratic process and individual rights.
House Resolution 328 expresses support for library staff across public, school, academic, and special libraries in the United States while highlighting the essential services these libraries provide. The resolution acknowledges the pressing need for proper funding to sustain library services, which are regarded as fundamental for community development, education, and access to vital information. By underscoring the importance of libraries, HR328 illustrates their role as cornerstones of communities, especially during recent public crises such as the opioid epidemic and the COVID-19 pandemic.
The resolution also addresses ongoing issues faced by libraries, such as threats to information access and challenges from censorship, particularly in the wake of increasing instances of book bans. Library staff are described as having to confront harassment and unsafe working conditions, which have emerged as significant points of contention in recent times. Supporters of HR328 believe it's essential to protect library services and the professionals who deliver these services to ensure they remain viable resources for all community members, especially marginalized groups.