LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION memorializing Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to
proclaim April 13-19, 2014, as Library Week in the State of New York, in
conjunction with the observance of National Library Week

WHEREAS, Libraries are a vital part of a sound education and a treasured
part of American culture and are deserving of public support; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is moved to memorialize
Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to proclaim April 13-19, 2014, as Library Week
in the State of New York, in conjunction with the observance of National
Library Week; and
WHEREAS, First sponsored in 1958 by the American Library Association,
National Library Week provides an opportunity to celebrate the contrib-
utions of our nation's libraries and librarians, and to promote library
use and support; the theme of this year's observance is "Lives change @
your library"; and
WHEREAS, Libraries do indeed change lives in communities, campuses,
and schools across the great State of New York; and
WHEREAS, Libraries offer programs and resources to meet community
needs, with offerings in such essential areas as resume-writing and
interview skills, homework help for students, and financial planning to
adults and seniors; and
WHEREAS, In addition, librarians are trained, tech-savvy professionals
who provide crucial training in and access to technology, including
email access and downloadable content; and
WHEREAS, Library usage continues to soar as people flock to their
local libraries for email access, to look for employment, to find infor-
mation on available community services, and to research new careers and
business opportunities; and
WHEREAS, Families on tight budgets are also visiting libraries more
than ever as they seek to save money by using the books, music, video
and cultural programming available at their local libraries; and
WHEREAS, Special observances during National Library Week include:
National Library Workers Day, celebrated Tuesday, April 15, 2014, which
is a day for library staff, users, administrators and Friends groups to
recognize the valuable contributions made by all library workers;
National Bookmobile Day, on Wednesday, April 16, 2014, which recognizes
the invaluable service provided by our nation's bookmobiles and the
dedicated professionals who make quality bookmobile outreach possible in
their communities; and Celebrate Teen Literature Day on Thursday, April
17, 2014, aimed at raising awareness among the general public of the
vibrant, diverse offerings in young adult literature; and
WHEREAS, The annual commemoration of National Library Week draws
attention to a vital public institution, emphasizing the essential role
libraries, librarians, and library workers play in promoting access to
information for all; and
WHEREAS, Literate, informed citizens are essential to the productivity
of our Nation and the survival of our democratic institutions, and
librarians and libraries provide the information and literacy skills
people need to succeed throughout life; and
WHEREAS, It is fitting that all citizens should recognize the invalu-
able service provided to the people of the State of New York by our
libraries, whether local, state, or national; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
memorialize Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to proclaim April 13-19, 2014, as
Library Week in the State of New York, in conjunction with the obser-
vance of National Library Week; and be it further

RESOLVED, That copies of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to The Honorable Andrew M. Cuomo, Governor of the State of New
York; Jeremy Johannesen, Executive Director, New York Library Associ-
ation; and Bernard Margolis, New York State Librarian.