[Congressional Bills 110th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[S. Res. 134 Introduced in Senate (IS)]

110th CONGRESS
  1st Session
S. RES. 134

    Designating September 2007 as ``Adopt a School Library Month''.


_______________________________________________________________________


                   IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES

                             March 29, 2007

   Mr. Durbin (for himself and Mr. Coleman) submitted the following 
    resolution; which was referred to the Committee on the Judiciary

_______________________________________________________________________

                               RESOLUTION


 
    Designating September 2007 as ``Adopt a School Library Month''.

Whereas extensive research has demonstrated a link between high-quality school 
        libraries and student achievement in the classroom and on standardized 
        tests, regardless of the level of poverty or family instability 
        experienced by the student;
Whereas 37 percent of all fourth grade children in the United States are reading 
        at below-basic reading levels;
Whereas the school libraries of the United States are valuable tools that could 
        be used to inspire and enhance literacy for all children;
Whereas, to become a lifelong reader, a student must be exposed to adults who 
        read regularly and serve as positive reading role models;
Whereas school librarians are--

    (1) instrumental in helping teachers educate the students of the United 
States; and

    (2) through the use of books, computer resources, and other resources, 
a necessary component for expanding the curriculum of the public schools of 
the United States;

Whereas the school libraries of the United States are used as media centers to 
        provide students with opportunities to interact with computers and other 
        electronic information resources;
Whereas the use of school library computers helps students develop media and 
        technological skills, including--

    (1) critical thinking;

    (2) communication competency; and

    (3) the ethical and appropriate use of technology information access, 
retrieval, and production;

Whereas the school libraries of the United States serve as a gathering place for 
        students of all ages, backgrounds, and interests to come together to 
        debate ideas;
Whereas only approximately $1,000,000,000 is allocated to school libraries each 
        year, which translates to $0.54 per student; and
Whereas numerous programs, including the READesign program of the Heart of 
        America Foundation, are working to reestablish school libraries as the 
        hearts of the public schools of the United States by--

    (1) offering intensive care for school libraries though efforts 
designed--

    G    (A) to redecorate school libraries;

    G    (B) to revitalize technology available to school libraries; and

    G    (C) to replenish the book shelves of school libraries; and

    (2) renewing community support and interest for--

    G    (A) enriching the lives of children; and

    G    (B) helping students regain lost opportunities for learning: Now, 
therefore, be it

    Resolved, That the Senate--
            (1) designates September 2007 as ``Adopt a School Library 
        Month'' to raise public awareness about the important role 
        school libraries play in the academic achievement of children; 
        and
            (2) calls on the Federal Government, States, local 
        governments, schools, nonprofit organizations, businesses, and 
        the people of the United States to observe the month with 
        appropriate ceremonies, programs, and other activities.
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