[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 132 (Friday, September 7, 2007)]
[Senate]
[Page S11278]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                      ADOPT A SCHOOL LIBRARY MONTH

  The resolution (S. Res. 134) designating September 2007 as ``Adopt a 
School Library Month,'' was considered and agreed to.
  The preamble was agreed to.
  The resolution, with its preamble, reads as follows:

                              S. Res. 134

       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--
          (A) to redecorate school libraries;
          (B) to revitalize technology available to school 
     libraries; and
          (C) to replenish the book shelves of school libraries; 
     and
       (2) renewing community support and interest for--
          (A) enriching the lives of children; and
          (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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