This House resolution expresses support for staff of public, school, academic, and special libraries. It lists ways libraries serve communities, including lending books and media, offering programs, providing internet access, helping job seekers and small businesses, linking people to social services, responding to public health needs, and serving people who are unhoused. The resolution notes recent challenges such as funding cuts, book bans and intimidation of staff, and references concerns about Project 2025 and an executive order to eliminate the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS). It calls for prioritizing full funding of library services and affirms rights for library workers to organize, speak out, and perform their jobs without threats.
The resolution states support for library workers and for keeping libraries as places where people can access information and internet service. It says libraries should get full funding from federal, state, and local governments, but it does not list specific dollar amounts. It also affirms that library workers have rights to organize, to speak about public concerns, and to carry out their duties without intimidation.
The resolution calls for prioritizing full funding of library services at federal, state, and local levels. No specific dollar amounts, budget changes, or new spending programs are provided in the text. No publicly available information.
Supporters say library staff are central to their communities and provide education, internet access, public health help, economic support, and emergency assistance. They argue libraries reached expanded roles during crises like the COVID-19 pandemic and the opioid epidemic. Supporters point to incidents of book bans, harassment, and threats against staff and say libraries work best when staff can choose collections and serve the public without fear. They also back a strong union voice for library workers and oppose actions such as eliminating IMLS.
No publicly available information.