III 

110TH CONGRESS 

1ST SESSION S. RES. 134 

Designating September 2007 as ‘‘Adopt a School Library Month’’. 

IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES 

MARCH 29, 2007 

Mr. DURBIN (for himself and Mr. COLEMAN) submitted the following 

resolution; which was referred to the Committee on the Judiciary 

RESOLUTION 

Designating September 2007 as ‘‘Adopt a School Library 

Month’’. 

Whereas extensive research has demonstrated a link between 

high-quality school libraries and student achievement in 

the classroom and on standardized tests, regardless of 

the level of poverty or family instability experienced by 

the student; 

Whereas 37 percent of all fourth grade children in the United 

States are reading at below-basic reading levels; 

Whereas the school libraries of the United States are valuable 

tools that could be used to inspire and enhance literacy 

for all children; 

Whereas, to become a lifelong reader, a student must be exposed to adults who read regularly and serve as positive 

reading role models; 


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•SRES 134 IS 

Whereas school librarians are— 

(1) instrumental in helping teachers educate the students of the United States; and 

(2) through the use of books, computer resources, 

and other resources, a necessary component for expanding the curriculum of the public schools of the United 

States; 

Whereas the school libraries of the United States are used as 

media centers to provide students with opportunities to 

interact with computers and other electronic information 

resources; 

Whereas the use of school library computers helps students 

develop media and technological skills, including— 

(1) critical thinking; 

(2) communication competency; and 

(3) the ethical and appropriate use of technology information access, retrieval, and production; 

Whereas the school libraries of the United States serve as a 

gathering place for students of all ages, backgrounds, 

and interests to come together to debate ideas; 

Whereas only approximately $1,000,000,000 is allocated to 

school libraries each year, which translates to $0.54 per 

student; and 

Whereas numerous programs, including the READesign program of the Heart of America Foundation, are working 

to reestablish school libraries as the hearts of the public 

schools of the United States by— 

(1) offering intensive care for school libraries though 

efforts designed— 

(A) to redecorate school libraries; 


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•SRES 134 IS 

(B) to revitalize technology available to school 

libraries; and 

(C) to replenish the book shelves of school libraries; and 

(2) renewing community support and interest for— 

(A) enriching the lives of children; and 

(B) helping students regain lost opportunities 

for learning: Now, therefore, be it 

1 Resolved, That the Senate— 

2 (1) designates September 2007 as ‘‘Adopt a 

3 School Library Month’’ to raise public awareness 

4 about the important role school libraries play in the 

5 academic achievement of children; and 

6 (2) calls on the Federal Government, States, 

7 local governments, schools, nonprofit organizations, 

8 businesses, and the people of the United States to 

9 observe the month with appropriate ceremonies, pro10 grams, and other activities. 

Æ 


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