Assembly Resolution No. 1156

BY: M. of A. Carroll R

MEMORIALIZING Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim
April 21, 2026, as Library Assistants' Day in the
State of New York

WHEREAS, This Legislative Body deems it fitting and proper to
recognize and honor those community-based organizations and individuals
who selflessly dedicate their time, resources, and thoughtful efforts
toward enhancing the quality and character of life within their
communities; and

WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its
long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to
memorialize Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim April 21, 2026, as Library
Assistants' Day in the State of New York, in conjunction with the
observance of National Library Week; and

WHEREAS, National Library Week is an annual event designated for the
week of April 19-25, 2026, with the theme "Libraries Empower
Communities"; and

WHEREAS, Library assistants are integral to the effective operation
of libraries, providing essential support to librarians while performing
circulation services, maintaining cataloging systems, processing and
repairing materials, shelving collections, assisting patrons, and
carrying out a wide range of critical operational tasks; and

WHEREAS, The New York State Library Assistants' Association (NYSLAA)
is a statewide organization established by library assistants to promote
and enhance the professional image and status of New York State library
assistants, to further their professional growth; to provide a network
for communication among members and within the profession on library and
library assistant issues; and to cooperate with library organizations at
the local, state, national, and international levels; and

WHEREAS, The New York State Library Assistants' Association 2026
Executive Council members are: Cheryl Marriott, President; LeAndre
Peoples, Vice President; Heather Gad, Treasurer; Patricia Jackman,
Recording Secretary; Cheryl Paine, Corresponding Secretary; Donna Hanna,
Membership Secretary; and Wendy Freier, Conference Coordinator; and

WHEREAS, The New York State Library Assistants' Association has
undertaken a variety of roles to improve and promote the association,
including membership recognition, fundraising, and innovative programs;
among its most distinctive initiatives is the Certificate of Achievement
Program; and

WHEREAS, In 1992, the association conducted a membership survey that
included questions regarding certification for library assistants, with
78 percent of respondents favoring a voluntary program; as the
professional association of library assistants in New York State, the
association was deemed the appropriate body to administer such a
program; and

WHEREAS, In 1993, a majority of library assistants attending the
Annual Conference indicated support for developing a voluntary
certification program; a draft program was presented to focus groups of
library assistants and library administrators for input; a two-year
pilot program was approved by the Executive Council and implemented in
January 1995, and the first eight applicants received their certificates
at the 1995 Annual Conference held in Buffalo, New York; and

WHEREAS, This program is designed to recognize the involvement and
contributions of career-oriented library assistants and to acknowledge
their support of libraries and the library profession; for the purposes
of this program, a library assistant is defined as a library worker who
does not hold a position as a librarian; and

WHEREAS, Library assistants support the mission of libraries by
providing vital patron and support services, promote personal
development through professional involvement, share concerns about
issues facing the library profession and work collaboratively to address
them; through their diligent service and professional commitment,
library assistants demonstrate continued dedication to their work; and

WHEREAS, In light of their commitment, dedication, and successful
efforts, it is the sense of this Legislative Body to extend its highest
commendation to all library assistants throughout the State of New York;
now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
memorialize Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim April 21, 2026, as Library
Assistants' Day in the State of New York; and be it further

RESOLVED, That copies of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to the Honorable Kathy Hochul, Governor of the State of New
York, and Cheryl Marriott, President of the New York State Library
Assistants' Association.