SENATE RESOLUTION 50

(By Senators Lindsay, Stollings, Rucker, and Hamilton)

[Introduced March 4, 2022]

Designating March 7, 2022, as West Virginia Library Day at the Legislature.

Whereas, West Virginia libraries are dedicated to assisting each citizen and building community connections by being accessible and inclusive to all; and

Whereas, West Virginia libraries provide resources to over one million registered borrowers throughout the state, who on the average, checkout two items per person annually; and

Whereas, West Virginia libraries work tirelessly to meet the changing needs of their communities, providing materials from a variety of viewpoints in a wide range of formats that enables the sharing of materials among libraries. West Virginia libraries work to deliver technology through internet access to nearly 450,000 West Virginians, and Wi-Fi access to another 160,000; and

Whereas, During the pandemic West Virginia libraries and library professionals played an invaluable role in support to their communities in-person and virtually; and

Whereas, West Virginia libraries have nearly 11.5 million pieces of material available for citizens to borrow; and

Whereas, West Virginia libraries offer opportunities for everyone to connect with new ideas and become their best selves with access to multimedia content, programs, and classes in addition to books; and

Whereas, West Virginia libraries have long served as trusted and treasured institutions for all members of the communities regardless of race, ethnicity, creed, ability, sexual or gender identity, or socio-economic status; therefore, be it

Resolved by the Senate:

That the Senate hereby designates March 7, 2022, as West Virginia Library Day at the Legislature; and, be it

Further Resolved, That the Clerk is hereby directed to forward a copy of this resolution to the appropriate representatives for West Virginia Library Day.