Yay for Libraries -- and Library Workers, Too

Texas State Representative Dawnna Dukes authored and read House Resolution 1502:

In Celebration of National Library Week and National Library Workers
Day

WHEREAS, our state's public, academic, school and specialized
libraries, and the people who work in them, are valued resources;
WHEREAS, libraries play a vital role in supporting the quality of life
in their communities-places for opportunity, education, self-help and
lifelong learning;
WHEREAS, librarians are trained professionals, helping people of all
ages and backgrounds find and interpret the information they need to live,
learn and work in the 21st century;
WHEREAS, in 2005, Texans borrowed 100 million items from public
libraries, and got help with nearly 24 million reference questions (66,000 per
day!);
WHEREAS, research shows that students who attend schools with good
school libraries headed by librarians perform better on standardized tests;
WHEREAS, libraries are a key player in the national discourse on
intellectual freedom, equity of access, and narrowing the "digital
divide;"
WHEREAS, all Texans and all Texas libraries benefit from the resources
and services provided by the Texas State Library and Archives Commission
and the commission's dedicated staff;
WHEREAS, libraries, librarians, library workers and supporters across
America are celebrating National Library Week and National Library
Workers Day.
NOW, THEREFORE, be it resolved that the 80th Texas Legislature
proclaims National Library Week, April 15-21, 2007, and National Library Workers
Day, April 17. I encourage Texans to visit their local library this week to
take advantage of the wonderful library resources available and thank their
librarians and library workers for making information accessible to all
who walk through the library's doors.