Assembly Resolution No. 1194

BY: M. of A. McMahon

RECOGNIZING April 23, 2026, as World Book Day in
the State of New York

WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to observe days
set aside for the betterment of residents of this great State, the
Nation, and world as a whole; and

WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its
long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to
recognize April 23, 2026, as World Book Day in the State of New York;
and

WHEREAS, World Book Day is an annual event first recognized by the
United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization
(UNESCO) in 1995; and

WHEREAS, UNESCO describes World Book Day as "one of the most
beautiful inventions for sharing ideas and embodying an effective
instrument to fight poverty and build sustainable peace"; and

WHEREAS, Reading books can strengthen cognitive processes and
critical thinking, as well as enhance language, communication, writing,
and problem-solving skills; reading also builds background knowledge,
expands vocabulary, and can promote better memory and brain health; and

WHEREAS, Books are enjoyed in many different forms, including
novels, novellas, graphic novels, picture books, short stories, art
books, textbooks, poetry books, plays and dramas, and audiobooks; this
variety allows individuals of all ages and skillsets to experience the
joy of reading and to reap the myriad benefits books offer; and

WHEREAS, Graphic novels, for example, can inspire a passion for
reading in children who find it challenging to read traditional novels,
offer an accessible mode of storytelling to neurodivergent readers, and
inspire artistic creativity and expression; and

WHEREAS, Among other benefits, graphic novel illustrations can
improve the visual literacy of readers, honing their skills to analyze
other illustrations, including advertisements, propaganda, political
cartoons, and more, a skill which is becoming increasingly necessary in
the age of digital and social media; and

WHEREAS, By depicting diverse characters, unique stories and
experiences, and complex themes, graphic novels can foster an improved
understanding of the world, different cultures and customs, and promote
a greater appreciation for diversity in all aspects of life; and

WHEREAS, New York State is proud to be the home of many acclaimed
authors, including Art Spiegelman, the author of the graphic novel
"Maus," which became the first graphic novel to win a Pulitzer Prize on
April 9, 1992, for depicting the horrors of the Holocaust and
intergenerational trauma through powerful and emotional illustrations;
and


WHEREAS, Books are tools for personal and social development and
offer different perspectives through which to view and interpret the
world around us, expanding our innate senses of creativity, empathy,
passion, curiosity, and joy; and

WHEREAS, It is incumbent upon this Legislative Body to recognize
days of observance that celebrate the importance of books, literature,
and media, and the authors and artists who contribute to the cultural,
social, and educational value of the citizens of this great State; now,
therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
recognize April 23, 2026, as World Book Day in the State of New York.