Pennsylvania SR 271: A Resolution recognizing the week of April 19 through 25, 2026, as "National Library Week" in Pennsylvania.

Bill Text

PRINTER'S NO. 1593
THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF PENNSYLVANIA
SENATE RESOLUTION
No. 271
Session of
2026
INTRODUCED BY MUTH, FONTANA, HAYWOOD, KEARNEY, COMITTA, HUGHES,
L. WILLIAMS, KANE, TARTAGLIONE, VOGEL, SCHWANK, COSTA, STREET
AND PICOZZI, APRIL 17, 2026
REFERRED TO RULES AND EXECUTIVE NOMINATIONS, APRIL 17, 2026
A RESOLUTION
Recognizing the week of April 19 through 25, 2026, as "National
Library Week" in Pennsylvania.
WHEREAS, "National Library Week" is an annual celebration
highlighting the valuable roles libraries, librarians and
library workers play in transforming lives and strengthening our
communities; and
WHEREAS, When libraries were started nearly 300 years ago,
books were the focus because bound publications were expensive,
rare and difficult to get; and
WHEREAS, By the 1900s, steel magnate and philanthropist
Andrew Carnegie believed that books could give ordinary people
the knowledge they needed to work, so he used his wealth to
build more than 2,500 libraries around the world; and
WHEREAS, In the mid-1950s, research showed that Americans
were spending less on books and more on radios, televisions and
musical instruments; and
WHEREAS, For this reason, the American Library Association
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and the American Book Publishers formed a nonprofit citizens'
organization with the goal of encouraging people to read in
their increasing leisure time to improve income and develop a
strong and healthy family life; and
WHEREAS, Since 1958, the United States has celebrated
"National Library Week" and the valuable contributions of the
various libraries, librarians and staff and the services and
resources they provide to people of all ages; and
WHEREAS, The theme for "National Library Week" 2026 is "Find
Your Joy," an invitation for people of all backgrounds to
explore and discover what sparks joy in them at the library; and
WHEREAS, Whether preparing for a new career, launching a
business or raising a family, libraries provide an inclusive and
supportive community where everyone belongs; and
WHEREAS, Libraries are a public space where all community
members, regardless of age, gender identity, ethnicity or income
level, can come together to connect and learn; and
WHEREAS, Currently, there are more than 116,000 libraries,
including public, academic, school and government, in the United
States; and
WHEREAS, For more than 200 years, the Pennsylvania Senate
Library has served as the major source of information on
Pennsylvania government, with its collection of legislative
documents, journals and law books; and
WHEREAS, Beyond its role as a place to research, the Senate
Library also serves as a resource for the numerous collections,
displays and exhibits throughout the Capitol; and
WHEREAS, Most importantly, upholding the true representation
of a library, the Senate Library is open for tours and research
to all General Assembly members, staff and constituents; and
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WHEREAS, During "National Library Week," everyone is
encouraged to visit their local library and raise awareness of
the value and impact the library has had on them; therefore be
it
RESOLVED, That the Senate recognize the week of April 19
through 25, 2026, as "National Library Week" in Pennsylvania.
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