III 112th CONGRESS 2d Session S. RES. 425 IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES April 18, 2012 Mr. Webb (for himself, Ms. Snowe, Mr. Warner, Mr. Brown of Ohio, and Mr. Cochran) submitted the following resolution; which was considered and agreed to RESOLUTION Designating April 23, 2012, as National Adopt a Library Day.

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 use books and other resources that offer pathways to learning, self-discovery, and the pursuit of knowledge; Whereas libraries in 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 to extend the joy of reading to millions of people of the United States and to prevent used books from being thrown away; Whereas libraries in the United States have provided valuable resources to individuals who are affected by the economic crisis by encouraging continued education and job training; Whereas libraries are increasingly being used as a resource for those seeking the tools and information to enter or reenter the workforce; 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, 2012, 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 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 National Adopt A Library Day with appropriate ceremonies and activities.