Assembly Resolution No. 460 BY: M. of A. Bronson RECOGNIZING October 20-26, 2019, as National Friends of Libraries Week WHEREAS, The State of New York takes great pride in participating in nationally declared weeks of recognition of important groups; and WHEREAS, October 20-26, 2019, has been declared National Friends of Libraries Week by United for Libraries, American Library Association; and WHEREAS, Libraries are the cornerstone of the community, providing opportunities for all to engage in lifelong learning and connecting with others; and WHEREAS, Friends of Libraries groups help to raise money which provides resources for programming, equipment, support for youth services, and special events throughout the year; and WHEREAS, Friends of Libraries groups understand the importance of well-funded libraries and advocate to ensure that libraries get the resources they need to provide a wide variety of services to all ages, including access to print and electronic materials, expert assistance in research, readers' advisory, and youth services; and WHEREAS, Friends of Libraries groups also provide in-kind services for programming, building and grounds care, and representation at events; and WHEREAS, The dedicated members of these groups demonstrate how volunteerism can lead to positive civic engagement and the betterment of local communities; and WHEREAS, The Friends of Libraries Section of the New York Library Association is celebrating its 5th year as a full NYLA section, previously a Roundtable of NYLA, and its 27th year in service to New York State Friends groups; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to recognize October 20-26, 2019, as National Friends of Libraries Week; and be it further RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be transmitted to the New York Library Association.