This bill expresses support for U.S. library staff, recognizes their essential community services, advocates for adequate funding, and defends their rights to free access to information and union organization.
Pramila Jayapal
Representative
WA-7
This resolution expresses strong support for library staff across the United States and recognizes the essential, expanding community services they provide. It advocates for commensurate funding, defends the right of all citizens to freely access information, and supports the civil rights and union voice of library workers. Furthermore, the bill condemns threats to library access and staff, such as book bans and funding cuts.
Bill Backs Library Staff, Condemns Book Bans, and Pushes for Full Funding
This proposed resolution is all about giving a major shout-out to the unsung heroes of our communities: library staff. It clearly states that these folks, whether they're in your local public library, a school library, or even a specialized academic one, are providing essential services. We're talking more than just checking out books; this bill recognizes their expanded roles, like helping the unhoused, distributing PPE during a crisis, and even administering overdose medication. It's basically saying, these aren't just quiet places with dusty books anymore; they're vital community hubs, especially in underserved areas, and the people running them are doing some seriously heavy lifting.
Protecting the Protectors of Knowledge
One of the big takeaways here is the bill's firm stance against anything that threatens libraries or their staff. It specifically condemns the potential elimination of the Institute of Museum and Library Services, which it argues would seriously kneecap libraries' ability to serve millions. Think about it: less funding means fewer resources, shorter hours, and fewer programs for everyone. It also takes a hard line against book bans, pointing out a staggering 6,870 instances in the 2024-2025 school year alone. And for library staff who stand firm against removing those books? The bill opposes any harassment, termination, or criminalization they might face. This is about protecting the people who protect our access to information, ensuring they can do their jobs without fear.
Libraries as Cornerstones of Democracy
Beyond just supporting staff and condemning threats, this resolution really hammers home the idea that libraries are crucial for a functioning democracy. It emphasizes that they ensure free access to information and a diversity of ideas, which is especially important for young people. For many, the library is the only place they can reliably get online or access educational resources. The bill also throws its weight behind library workers' right to organize and form unions, giving them a stronger voice for safe, well-resourced workplaces. It even designates April 19-25, 2026, as National Library Week to celebrate their contributions, which is a nice touch.
Funding and Fundamental Rights
Ultimately, this resolution isn't just a pat on the back; it's a call to action for better support. It supports prioritizing full funding for library services at federal, state, and local levels. This means more resources for everything from new books and digital access to the community programs we just talked about. It also reaffirms the fundamental right of the American people to access information—a right made real by library staff—and the fundamental right of library workers to organize and collectively bargain. In plain English, it's saying that libraries and their staff are essential, deserve proper funding, and should be free to do their jobs and speak out without intimidation. For anyone who relies on their local library for internet, job searching, kids' programs, or just a good book, this resolution is a strong statement in favor of keeping those doors open and those services robust.