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.

This resolution has been introduced in the Senate and referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions. As a Senate Resolution, it expresses the sentiment of the Senate and does not go through the House of Representatives or become public law. For it to pass, it would need to be considered and voted on by the full Senate, after potentially being reviewed by the committee.

If this resolution passes, it would primarily send a strong message from the Senate supporting libraries and their staff. This could indirectly encourage better funding for libraries at federal, state, and local levels, potentially leading to improved resources and services in your community. It also aims to reinforce the protection of library workers' rights, which could help maintain a diverse collection of books and resources for everyone without fear of censorship or intimidation.

The resolution's 'whereas' clauses outline the context for its support. It highlights instances of library staff facing termination for refusing to remove books, 6,870 reported book bans in school libraries in 2024-2025, and mentions 'Project 2025' encouraging mistreatment of minorities and library staff. It also notes a past executive order (by President Trump) to eliminate the Institute of Museum and Library Services. This resolution seeks to counteract these actions and perspectives by affirming the critical role of libraries and protecting their staff.