Senate Resolution No. 4225

BY: Senator RITCHIE

RECOGNIZING April 8-14, 2018, as National Library
Week

WHEREAS, The State of New York takes great pride in participating in
important weeks of recognition; and

WHEREAS, The week of April 8-14, 2018, has been designated National
Library Week; and

WHEREAS, First celebrated in 1958, National Library Week marks its
60th Anniversary in 2018, as a national observance sponsored by the
American Library Association (ALA) and libraries across the country each
April; and

WHEREAS, National Library Week is a time to highlight the value of
libraries, librarians, and library workers; and

WHEREAS, "Libraries Lead" is the theme for National Library Week
2018, reminding all Americans that today's libraries lead by providing
access to crucial services and lifelong learning to help transform
communities and open minds; and

WHEREAS, Misty Copeland, the first African-American principal dancer
at the American Ballet Theatre, and an award-winning author, will serve
as the 2018 Honorary Chair of National Library Week; and

WHEREAS, Libraries are a treasured part of American culture, and a
valuable resource on a wide variety of popular topics, encouraging
people to read, helping to improve incomes and health, and encouraging
the development of strong, happy lives; and

WHEREAS, Not only places to borrow books, libraries also serve as
creative and engaging community centers where people can collaborate and
use new technologies to further their skills and passions; and

WHEREAS, Libraries serve as a resource for students, small business
owners, English-language learners and many others who depend on all of
the resources our libraries have to offer; and

WHEREAS, With New York State residents served by approximately 755
public libraries with over 1,100 branches and outlets, it is fitting
that we recognize the significant impact libraries may have on
individuals, and the invaluable services they provide to residents of
the State of New York; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
recognize April 8-14, 2018, as National Library Week; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to Jeremy Johannesen, Executive Director of the New York
Library Association.