# 119-sres-688: 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.

119-sres-688, 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., is a 119th Congress bill sponsored by Sen. Hirono, Mazie K. [D-HI] (D-HI); status introduced (as of 2026-05-17).

- Canonical: https://policyrisk.com/legislation/119-sres-688
- As of: 2026-05-17
- Plain-text twin of the page above; the HTML and this file carry the same facts.

## Facts
- Bill: 119-sres-688
- Congress: 119
- Title: 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.
- Status: introduced
- Introduced: 2026-04-27
- Sponsor: Sen. Hirono, Mazie K. [D-HI] (D-HI)
- Cosponsors: 8
- Policy area: Arts, Culture, Religion
- Touches household money: no
- Last recorded action: 2026-05-17

## 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. - 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.

## Cosponsors (8)

- Sen. Reed, Jack [D-RI] (D-RI), 2026-04-27T00:00:00.000Z
- Sen. Durbin, Richard J. [D-IL] (D-IL), 2026-04-27T00:00:00.000Z
- Sen. Luján, Ben Ray [D-NM] (D-NM), 2026-04-27T00:00:00.000Z
- Sen. Markey, Edward J. [D-MA] (D-MA), 2026-04-27T00:00:00.000Z
- Sen. Padilla, Alex [D-CA] (D-CA), 2026-04-27T00:00:00.000Z
- Sen. Van Hollen, Chris [D-MD] (D-MD), 2026-04-27T00:00:00.000Z
- Sen. Wyden, Ron [D-OR] (D-OR), 2026-04-27T00:00:00.000Z
- Sen. Blunt Rochester, Lisa [D-DE] (D-DE), 2026-04-27T00:00:00.000Z

## Related bills

- 119-s-5066: Health Equity and Accountability Act of 2026
- 119-s-3990: PrEP Access and Coverage Act of 2026
- 119-s-2823: FAMILY Act
- 119-s-51: Washington, D.C. Admission Act
- 119-s-5108: Right to IVF Act of 2026
- 119-s-1503: Equality Act

## Sources
- [119-sres-688 on Congress.gov](https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/senate-resolution/688)

## Related
- [119-s-5066: Health Equity and Accountability Act of 2026](https://policyrisk.com/legislation/119-s-5066)
- [119-s-3990: PrEP Access and Coverage Act of 2026](https://policyrisk.com/legislation/119-s-3990)
- [119-s-2823: FAMILY Act](https://policyrisk.com/legislation/119-s-2823)
- [119-s-51: Washington, D.C. Admission Act](https://policyrisk.com/legislation/119-s-51)
- [119-s-5108: Right to IVF Act of 2026](https://policyrisk.com/legislation/119-s-5108)
- [119-s-1503: Equality Act](https://policyrisk.com/legislation/119-s-1503)
- [All bills in Congress](https://policyrisk.com/legislation)

Source: PRIA, https://policyrisk.com/legislation/119-sres-688 (as of 2026-05-17).