Recognize School Library Month

Senate Resolution No. 1208 BY: Senator TEDISCO RECOGNIZING April 2017, as National School Library Month WHEREAS, The quest for knowledge and achievement by students is stimulated and developed through the use of educational resources and instruction provided by school library programs that are staffed by professional certified school librarians; and WHEREAS, School library programs provide the means for students to gain cultural understanding and enhance global communication skills; and WHEREAS, Lifelong learning begins and is systematically developed through the school library curriculum of the elementary and secondary schools; and WHEREAS, The school library program contributes to the individual growth and development of all students, while fostering both excellence and equity in education; and WHEREAS, School library programs teach the skills of effectively locating and ethically using information through traditional resources and new technologies to provide literature appreciation activities and to guide and encourage informational and recreational reading to every student; and WHEREAS, School libraries provide materials that will develop literary, cultural, aesthetic appreciation, and ethical standards; and WHEREAS, The school library program helps students learn to find texts on any topic of interest across a range of complexity, so they are engaged at a level that is challenging to them; and WHEREAS, School librarians teach students to inquire, think critically, draw conclusions, make informed decisions, and create and share knowledge in preparation for advanced study and the workplace; and WHEREAS, The American Association of School Libraries (AASL) will celebrate the 32nd Anniversary of School Library Month in 2017 with the theme, "Because School Libraries Empower Students"; and WHEREAS, It is both fitting and proper that special recognition be given to school library programs and the role of certified school librarians in education throughout the State of New York; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to recognize April 2017, as National School Library Month; and be it further RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be transmitted to the American Association of School Libraries.