Senate Resolution No. 620

BY: Senator THOMAS

MEMORIALIZING Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim
April 2023, as School Library Month in the State of
New York

WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to recognize
official months that are set aside to increase awareness of initiatives
which affect the lives of citizens of New York State; and

WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its
long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to
memorialize Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim April 2023, as School
Library Month in the State of New York, in conjunction with the
observance of National School Library Month; and

WHEREAS, National School Library Month was established by Lucille
Thomas in 1985, to help schools and their local communities celebrate
the library and in particular the major role school library programs
play in transforming learning; and

WHEREAS, The quest for knowledge and achievement by students is
stimulated and developed through the use of educational resources and
instruction provided by school library programs that are staffed by
professional certified school librarians; and

WHEREAS, School library programs provide the means for students to
gain cultural understanding and enhance global communication skills; and

WHEREAS, Lifelong learning begins and is systematically developed
through the school library curriculum of the elementary and secondary
schools; and

WHEREAS, The school library program contributes to the individual
growth and development of all students, while fostering both excellence
and equity in education; and

WHEREAS, School library programs teach the skills of effectively
locating and ethically using information through traditional resources
and new technologies to provide literature appreciation activities and
to guide and encourage informational and recreational reading to every
student; and

WHEREAS, School libraries provide materials that will develop
literary, cultural, aesthetic appreciation, and ethical standards; and

WHEREAS, The school library program helps students learn to find
texts on any topic of interest across a range of complexity, so they are
engaged at a level that is challenging to them; and

WHEREAS, School librarians teach students to inquire, think
critically, draw conclusions, make informed decisions, and create and
share knowledge in preparation for advanced study and the workplace; and

WHEREAS, It is both fitting and proper that special recognition be
given to school library programs and the role of certified school
librarians in education throughout the State of New York; now,
therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
memorialize Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim April 2023, as School
Library Month in the State of New York; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to The Honorable Kathy Hochul, Governor of the State of New
York.