Whereas libraries are an essential part of the communities
and the national system of education in the United States;
Whereas the people of the United States benefit
significantly from libraries that serve as an open place for people of all ages
and backgrounds to make use of books and other resources that offer pathways to
learning, self-discovery, and the pursuit of knowledge;
Whereas the libraries of the United States depend on the
generous donations and support of individuals and groups to ensure that people
who are unable to purchase books still have access to a wide variety of
resources;
Whereas certain nonprofit organizations facilitate the
donation of books to schools and libraries across the United States—
(1)to extend the
joys of reading to millions of people of the United States; and
(2)to prevent used
books from being thrown away;
Whereas, as of the date of agreement to this resolution,
the libraries of the United States have provided valuable resources to
individuals affected by the economic crisis by encouraging continued education
and job training; and
Whereas several States that recognize the importance of
libraries and reading have adopted resolutions commemorating April 23 as
Adopt A Library Day
: Now, therefore, be it
That the Senate—
(1)designates April
23, 2010, as National Adopt A Library Day
;
(2)honors the
organizations that facilitate donations to schools and libraries;
(3)urges all people
of the United States who own unused books to donate the unused books to local
libraries;
(4)strongly supports
children and families who take advantage of the resources provided by schools
and libraries; and
(5)encourages the
people of the United States to observe the day with appropriate ceremonies and
activities.