PRIA Logo™
119-sres-688119th Congress

A resolution expressing support for the staff of public, school, academic, and special libraries in the United States and the essential services those libraries provide to communities, recognizing the need for funding commensurate with the broad scope of social service and community supports provided by libraries, preserving the right of all citizens of the United States to freely access information and resources in their communities, supporting a strong union voice for library workers, and defending the civil rights of library staff.

Sponsored By: Senator Hirono, Mazie K. [D-HI]

Introduced

Summary

Backing library workers and sustained public funding. This resolution would express formal support for U.S. public, school, academic, and special library staff, affirm the public's right to free access to information, and call for funding that matches libraries' community roles.

Show full summary
  • Families and young people gain support for diverse book offerings and youth programs. The resolution cites 6,870 instances of book bans in the 2024–2025 school year.
  • Library workers get explicit backing to organize and protection from threats and intimidation. The text notes funding cuts have left working conditions unsustainable and unsafe for staff.
  • Rural, Tribal, and underserved communities are highlighted as especially dependent on libraries for internet access and basic services. The resolution warns that eliminating the Institute of Museum and Library Services would harm those areas.
  • Job seekers, small business owners, and people learning new skills are recognized as direct beneficiaries of library resources and programs.
  • Public health and social service roles are emphasized. The resolution points to libraries distributing PPE, running COVID testing, administering overdose medication, and serving as safe spaces for unhoused people.

Personalized for You

How does this bill affect your finances?

Personalize government policy and PRIA will tell you what this bill means for your household, plus every other piece of legislation we track. PRIA reads each provision against your financial profile to show you exactly what matters to your wallet.

Free to download

Bill Overview

No Economic Impacts Identified for this Bill

Sponsors & CoSponsors

Sponsor

Hirono, Mazie K. [D-HI]

HI • D

Cosponsors

  • Sen. Reed, Jack [D-RI]

    RI • D

    Sponsored 4/27/2026

  • Sen. Durbin, Richard J. [D-IL]

    IL • D

    Sponsored 4/27/2026

  • Sen. Luján, Ben Ray [D-NM]

    NM • D

    Sponsored 4/27/2026

  • Sen. Markey, Edward J. [D-MA]

    MA • D

    Sponsored 4/27/2026

  • Sen. Padilla, Alex [D-CA]

    CA • D

    Sponsored 4/27/2026

  • Sen. Van Hollen, Chris [D-MD]

    MD • D

    Sponsored 4/27/2026

  • Sen. Wyden, Ron [D-OR]

    OR • D

    Sponsored 4/27/2026

  • Sen. Blunt Rochester, Lisa [D-DE]

    DE • D

    Sponsored 4/27/2026

Roll Call Votes

No roll call votes available for this bill.

View on Congress.gov
Back to Legislation