Sponsored by:
Assemblywoman ANGELA V. MCKNIGHT
District 31 (Hudson)
SYNOPSIS
Designates second week of September of each year as "Library Awareness Week in New Jersey."
CURRENT VERSION OF TEXT
As introduced.
A Joint Resolution designating the second week of September of each year as "Library Awareness Week in New Jersey."
Whereas, Libraries are vital institutions and dynamic centers of lifelong learning that play a unique role in ensuring the public's right to know and empowering people from all walks of life to make informed decisions about the world around them; and
Whereas, Libraries serve as a critical cornerstone of a democratic society by providing access to a wealth of information that covers an impressive array of subjects and perspectives. Most libraries have enhanced this mission in recent years by offering internet access at their locations in an effort to help narrow the digital divide between those families who have internet access at home and those families with limited or no internet access; and
Whereas, Libraries are true community centers offering a myriad of services including, but not limited to, reading rooms, meeting spaces, and valuable programs such as children's storytelling hours, tutoring, English as a Second Language instruction, and book clubs; and
Whereas, Library professionals work with dedication and determination to connect library users with the information they need, whether it be in helping a child choose his first book, aiding a citizen locate needed tax forms, or assisting a researcher to track down a hard-to-find text; and
Whereas, Libraries in the State of New Jersey and around the nation play a key role in the national discourse on intellectual freedom and equity of access to information, which are vital to a democratic society; and
Whereas, It is both fitting and appropriate to foster public pride and support of the State's libraries, promote awareness and use of their valuable resources, and recognize the many contributions of library professionals to our communities; now, therefore,
Be It Resolved by the Senate and General Assembly of the State of New Jersey:
1. The second week of September of each year is designated as "Library Awareness Week in New Jersey."
2. The Governor is requested to annually issue a proclamation recognizing the second week of September of each year as "Library Awareness Week in New Jersey" and calling upon public officials and the residents of the State of New Jersey to observe the week with appropriate activities and programs that recognize the critical role that libraries and their dedicated staff play in a democratic society.
3. This joint resolution shall take effect immediately.
STATEMENT
This Joint Resolution designates the second week of September of each year as "Library Awareness Week in New Jersey."
Libraries are critical institutions and dynamic centers of lifelong learning that play a unique role in ensuring the public's right to know and empowering people from all walks of life to make informed decisions about the world around them. Libraries also play a key role in the national discourse on intellectual freedom and equity of access to information and are the cornerstone of our democracy. It is therefore appropriate to foster public pride and support of the State's libraries, promote awareness and use of their valuable resources, and recognize the many contributions of library professionals by establishing a "Library Awareness Week in New Jersey."