HOUSE RESOLUTION PROCLAIMING APRIL 19-25, 2026, TO BE "NATIONAL LIBRARY WEEK" IN THE STATE OF RHODE ISLAND

H8445

2026 -- H 8445
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STATE OF RHODE ISLAND
IN GENERAL ASSEMBLY
JANUARY SESSION, A.D. 2026
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H O U S E R E S O L U T I O N
PROCLAIMING APRIL 19-25, 2026, TO BE "NATIONAL LIBRARY WEEK" IN THE
STATE OF RHODE ISLAND

Introduced By:
Representatives Paplauskas, Chippendale, Blazejewski, Morales, Read,
Fascia, Baginski, Solomon, Santucci, and Noret

Date Introduced:
April 14, 2026

Referred To:
House read and passed
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WHEREAS, Libraries of all types are at the heart of their communities, serving the cities,
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towns, schools and campuses across Rhode Island; and
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WHEREAS, Libraries are accessible and inclusive places that foster a sense of belonging
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and community; and
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WHEREAS, Today's libraries and their services extend far beyond the four walls of a
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building and welcoming all who wish to use their resources; and
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WHEREAS, For people lacking broadband at home, libraries provide access to
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computers and Wi-Fi, even checking out Internet hotspots and laptops; and
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WHEREAS, Libraries strive to develop and maintain programs and collections that are as
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diverse as the communities they serve and ensure equity of access for all; and
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WHEREAS, In times of crisis, libraries, librarians, and library workers play an invaluable
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role in supporting their communities, both in person and virtually; and
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WHEREAS, Libraries provide access to digital resources, including e-books and lifelong
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learning tools; and
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WHEREAS, Libraries are cornerstones of democracy, promoting the free exchange of
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information and ideas for all; and
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WHEREAS, Libraries defend the right to read and the premise that "free people deserve
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to read freely"; and
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WHEREAS, Libraries have long served as trusted and treasured institutions for all

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members of the community regardless of race, ethnicity, creed, ability, sexual orientation, gender
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identity, or socio-economic status; and
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WHEREAS, Libraries, librarians and library workers are joining library supporters and
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advocates across the nation to celebrate "National Library Week"; now, therefore be it
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RESOLVED, That this House of Representatives of the State of Rhode Island hereby
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proclaims April 19-25, 2026, to be "National Library Week" in the State of Rhode Island; and be
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it further
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RESOLVED, That this House hereby thanks Rhode Island's libraries, librarians and
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library workers for their service to our community. During this week, we encourage all residents
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to visit their library to access resources and services. Because of you, libraries transform lives and
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communities; and be it further
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RESOLVED, That the Secretary of State be and hereby is authorized and directed to
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transmit duly certified copies of this resolution to the Office of Library and Information Services,
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and all Rhode Island City and Town Libraries.
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