Hirono, Jayapal Introduce Resolution to Support Libraries, Recognize National Library Week

WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Senator Mazie K. Hirono (D-HI) and U.S. Representative Pramila Jayapal (D-WA) introduced a resolution celebrating "National Library Week" and honoring library workers. After a federal judge ruled President Trump's attacks on libraries to be unconstitutional, this resolution emphasizes the importance of libraries in communities across the country.

"America's libraries stand for everything the Trump regime is trying to dismantle-freedom of expression, unfettered access to information, celebration of identities, and support for communities. From access to books, to safe spaces for people to work, play, and learn, libraries offer indispensable services and resources to our communities," said Senator Hirono. "As we celebrate National Library Week and the work of library staff across our country, it's critical that we stand up, support our libraries, and fight for the values libraries across the country are striving to defend."

"Libraries and library staff facilitate our access to information, provide lifesaving social resources, and host critical educational programming - making communities more thriving in every community across this country," said Representative Jayapal. "Since returning to office, Trump has sought to eliminate the Institute of Museum and Library Services, slashed funding for crucial educational programs, and threatened the jobs and livelihoods of library staff across the country. Today, I am proud to reaffirm my support for these dedicated workers and thank them for the critical work they do in every community across this country."

Specifically, this resolution:

• Expresses support for the staff of public, school, academic, and special libraries in the United States and the services these libraries provide;
• Recognizes the need for funding to support libraries;
• Preserves the right of all citizens of the United States to freely access information and resources in their communities;
• Supports a strong union voice for library workers; and
• Defends the civil rights of library staff.

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.

"Libraries are community hubs that combine information, ideas, our collective stories, technology and learning with a human touch. Our libraries are made up of dedicated public servants who believe in the power of equitable access for all as a pillar of democracy. We are grateful for the leadership of Senator Hirono and Congresswoman Jayapal for recognizing that libraries must be funded and supported to ensure the success of our communities and nation," said Stacey Aldrich, State Librarian of Hawaii.

Libraries offer critical services that encourage the free exchange of information. Since his first term, President Trump has worked to undermine this mission by promoting book challenges in libraries across the country. Book challenges attempt to remove or restrict materials based on a certain person or group's objections. The American Library Association (ALA) this released its Top 11 Most Challenged Books of 2025, finding that 4,235 unique titles were challenged - the second-highest total ever recorded. Last year, President Trump issued an unprecedented and illegal executive order to eliminate the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS), a critical source of funding for museums, libraries, and educational institutions. The ALA, and the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees filed a lawsuit arguing that the cuts violated the Constitution and federal law by usurping Congress's authority over how federal funds are spent. Similarly, the attorneys general of 21 states filed a separate lawsuit against the Administration's efforts to shutter the agency. Following the lawsuits, a federal judge ruled that the IMLS cuts were unconstitutional. Despite the U.S. Department of Justice settling the lawsuits earlier this month, libraries across the nation continue to be threatened by the Trump Administration. President Trump's proposed budget for the 2027 fiscal year does not currently include any funding for IMLS.

In addition to Senator Hirono, this resolution was sponsored by Senators Jack Reed (D-RI), Dick Durbin (D-IL), Ben Ray Luján (D-NM), Ed Markey (D-MA), Alex Padilla (D-CA), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), Ron Wyden (D-OR), and Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-DE).

In addition to Representative Jayapal, a companion resolution in the House of Representatives was sponsored by Representatives Nanette Barragán (D-CA), Suzanne Bonamici (D-OR), Brendan Boyle (D-PA), Judy Chu (D-CA), Steve Cohen (D-TN), Lloyd Doggett (D-TX), Dwight Evans (D-PA), Adelita Grijalva (D-AZ), Jared Huffman (D-CA), Hank Johnson (D-GA), Summer Lee (D-PA), Betty McCollum (D-MN), James P. McGovern (D-MA- Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC), Chellie Pingree (D-ME-), Mark Pocan (D-WI-), Andrea Salinas (D-OR-), Linda Sánchez (D-CA), Mary Gay Scanlon (D-PA), Jan Schakowsky (D-IL-), Hillary Scholten (D-MI), Dina Titus (D-NV), Jill Tokuda (D-HI-), Paul Tonko (D-NY), and Bonnie Watson Coleman (D-NJ).

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