Assembly Resolution No. 2086

BY: M. of A. Raga

MEMORIALIZING Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim
April 23, 2024, as Book and Copyright Day in the
State of New York

WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to recognize
official days that are set aside to celebrate and recognize the scope of
books, a link between the past and the future, a bridge between
generations and across cultures; 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 23, 2024, as Book
and Copyright Day in the State of New York, in conjunction with the
observance of World Book and Copyright Day; and

WHEREAS, Held each year on April 23, World Book and Copyright Day is
a celebration to promote the enjoyment of books and reading; the day
also recognizes the three major sectors of the book industry,
publishers, booksellers, and libraries; and

WHEREAS, The theme for this year's World Book and Copyright Day is
"Indigenous Languages," and aims to honor the start of the International
Decade of Indigenous Languages and encourage linguistic diversity and
multilingualism; and

WHEREAS, World Book and Copyright Day was established by the United
Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) on
April 23, 1995; the date was chosen to honor the anniversary of the
death of William Shakespeare and Spanish chronicler Inca Garcilaso de la
Vega; and

WHEREAS, UNESCO enacted World Book and Copyright Day because they
considered books to have been the most powerful factor in the
dissemination of knowledge and the most effective means of preserving
it; promoting the dissemination of books will not only serve to
enlighten all those who have access to them, but also to develop fuller
collective awareness of cultural traditions throughout the world and to
inspire behavior based on understanding, tolerance, and dialogue; and

WHEREAS, Citizens may participate in World Book and Copyright Day by
dressing up as a literary character, supporting local booksellers,
hosting a book club, or by simply reading a book; and

WHEREAS, Acknowledging the immense contribution of writers to the
dynamic and diverse cultural scene of New York; and

WHEREAS, New York has the largest book publishing industry in the
country; and

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to recognize books
as vital vehicles to access, transmit and promote education, science,
culture and information worldwide; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
memorialize Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim April 23, 2024, as Book
and Copyright Day 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.