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Proclamation declaring National Library Week, April 7-13, 2019 in Allegheny County.
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WHEREAS, libraries are more than book repositories, demonstrating the breadth and depth of all they offer to their communities, with opportunities for community engagement, learning and growth while delivering new services which more closely connect to residents and their needs; and
WHEREAS, libraries throughout Pennsylvania have consistently served as valued and needed institutions, and library staffs and volunteers strengthen these centers by fueling their efforts to enhance the surrounding community; and
WHEREAS, the Pennsylvania Library Association is the state's oldest and most diverse professional library organization serving libraries, library employees, library trustees, and Friends of the Library groups working to heighten awareness of the various tools and resources, such as STEM programming, workforce development and life planning tips libraries offer; and
WHEREAS, collectively we recognize librarians as information professionals who provide expertise, services and guidance for patrons to access credible sources and material, making their own informed decisions about the worlds they navigate; and
WHEREAS, librarians level the playing field for anyone who seeks information and access to technologies, particularly as society continues to transition the way in which information is shared and explored in the online world; and
WHEREAS, the Pennsylvania Library Association’s PA Forward initiative provides a collective voice for the state’s libraries to tell their own stories, building capacity for the work they do with and for patrons through five literacies - Basic, Information, Civic and Social, Health and Financial - underscoring the importance of lifelong learning; and
WHEREAS, Pennsylvania libraries support democracy and effect social change through their commitment to providing equitable access to information for all library users regardless of race, ethnicity, creed, ability, sexual orientation, gender identity or socio-economic status; and
WHEREAS, April 9 is National Library Workers Day, a day for all library staff, volunteers and supporters to highlight the immeasurable contributions made by libraries; April 10 is National Bookmobile Day, a day recognizing the importance of libraries being available beyond their physical structure; and April 11 is Take Action for Libraries day, a day which encourages everyone to recognize how libraries enhance communities and quality of life;
NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, I, Allegheny County Council Member Tom Baker, proclaim National Library Week, April 7-13, 2019 in Allegheny County. Residents are encouraged to visit their local libraries this week and beyond, exploring all the libraries have to offer, realizing that literacy is power and that libraries provide the fuel to move Pennsylvania forward. Libraries = Strong Communities.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto caused the Seal of the County of Allegheny to be affixed this 9th day of April 2019.