U.S. Congress: Jayapal, Hirono Introduce Resolution to Recognize Library Workers

From U.S. Representative Pramila Jayapal (D-WA) (Full Text of Release):

U.S. Representative Pramila Jayapal (WA-07) and U.S. Senator Mazie Hirono (D-HI) are introducing a resolution honoring library workers during National Library Week.

“Libraries and library workers are vital to every single community in this country. They facilitate our access to information, provide often lifesaving social resources, and host critical educational programming,” said Jayapal. “As the Trump administration seeks to eliminate the Institute of Museum and Library Services, libraries and library staff across the country are facing threats to their jobs. Today, I am proud to reaffirm my support for these dedicated workers and thank them for the critical work they do for our communities.”

“From accessing books to providing safe spaces for people to work and learn, the resources that libraries provide are essential to our communities,” said Senator Hirono. “I’m proud to lead this resolution with Congresswoman Jayapal, commemorating National Library Week in recognition of our country’s libraries and their dedicated staff. As the Trump Administration and Republicans work to systemically erase diverse voices from our history, schools, and libraries, it is crucial that we reaffirm our right to free and unfettered access to books and information without obstruction. Libraries are an important hub for information exchange and learning, and I will keep working to protect the indispensable services they provide.”

Over 350,000 public servants work at an estimated 120,000 libraries across the nation. Library workers provide the public with a host of critical services, from access to books, media, and the internet, to offering high-quality educational and cultural programming geared toward visitors of all ages, including connecting visitors to social services. These services are often essential to meeting the needs of underserved communities, including low-income and unhoused individuals and families. Overall, the public highly values libraries, 69 percent of U.S. adults age 16 or older felt their local libraries substantially contributed to providing a safe place for people to spend time, and 58 percent felt they substantially contributed toward creating educational opportunities. 

Unfortunately, libraries and library staff across this country are currently facing unprecedented challenges that harm their ability to provide critical resources, especially in rural, Tribal, and other underserved communities. In the wake of President Trump’s executive order to eliminate the Institute of Museum and Library Services, libraries across the country are already starting to receive notice of their federal grants being terminated. 

“Library workers are always there for us—offering knowledge, support, and safe spaces for all,” said AFSCME President Lee Saunders. “This National Library Week, we not only thank these dedicated public service professionals—we recognize the serious threats they’re up against. They are facing a disturbing rise in intimidation, censorship, and even violence, all while the Trump administration works to defund libraries and undermine their essential work. We proudly stand with Senator Hirono and Representative Jayapal in fighting for their rights, and we’ll continue organizing alongside library workers to secure the respect, safety, and stability that only a union contract can provide.”

“We thank Congresswoman Jayapal for giving voice to the many library workers in Washington state who provide our communities something special – a free place where all are invited to read, think, gather, connect, and grow,” said Tom Fay, Chief Librarian and Executive Director of The Seattle Public Library. “At a time when division and isolation are impacting many Americans, libraries provide an antidote by bringing people together to explore and celebrate a diversity of ideas. At a time when goods and services are costing more, libraries provide tremendous value, boosting educational and economic community outcomes. We need more of this, not less, if we are to foster a healthy and flourishing democracy.”

The resolution is sponsored by Representatives Nanette Barragán (CA-44), Suzanne Bonamici (OR-01), Brendan Boyle (PA-02), Greg Casar (TX-35), Angie Craig (MN-02), Lloyd Doggett (TX-37), Dwight Evans (PA-03), Jared Huffman (CA-02), Summer Lee (PA-12), Jerrold Nadler (NY-12), Donald Norcross (NJ-01), Eleanor Holmes Norton (DC-At-Large), Mark Pocan (WI-02), Andrea Salinas (OR-06), Linda Sánchez (CA-38), Mary Gay Scanlon (PA-05), Jan Schakowsky (IL-09), Dina Titus (NV-01), Jill Tokuda (HI-02), Paul Tonko (NY-20), and Bonnie Watson Coleman (NJ-12) and Senators Jack Reed (D-RI), Dick Durbin (D-IL), Alex Padilla (D-CA), Ron Wyden (D-OR), and Chris Van Hollen (D-MD).

The resolution is endorsed by The American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME).

Direct to Full Text of Resolution
6 pages; PDF. 

Source

Filed under: Funding, Jobs, Libraries, National Libraries, News, Public Libraries