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
Support for library workers would be the core aim of this Senate resolution. It would reaffirm libraries as essential community infrastructure, push for funding that matches their social-service roles, and defend workers' rights and public access to information.
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- Families and children would see a defense of diverse book collections and reading programs, with the resolution flagging PEN America's finding of 10,046 book‑ban instances in 2023–24 as a threat to access.
- Library workers would get explicit backing to organize, bargain collectively, speak on public concerns, and perform duties without threats or intimidation.
- Rural, tribal, and underserved communities would be highlighted for continued federal support to preserve internet access, social services, and other library-led resources.
- People facing crises, including the unhoused and those affected by the opioid epidemic, would have their reliance on libraries as safe havens and sites for lifesaving services recognized.
- Jobseekers, small businesses, and learners would have their local libraries promoted as economic and workforce supports that connect people to skills and services.
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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 4/10/2025
Sen. Durbin, Richard J. [D-IL]
IL • D
Sponsored 4/10/2025
Sen. Padilla, Alex [D-CA]
CA • D
Sponsored 4/10/2025
Sen. Wyden, Ron [D-OR]
OR • D
Sponsored 4/10/2025
Sen. Van Hollen, Chris [D-MD]
MD • D
Sponsored 4/10/2025
Sen. Blunt Rochester, Lisa [D-DE]
DE • D
Sponsored 4/29/2025
Roll Call Votes
No roll call votes available for this bill.
View on Congress.gov