CALIFORNIA LEGISLATURE— 2025–2026 REGULAR SESSION

97

CHAPTER 57

Statutes of 2026

Introduced by Senator Choi

(Coauthors: Senators Caballero, Niello, Ochoa Bogh, Rubio, Seyarto, Valladares, and Wahab)

March 25, 2026

Relative to National Librarian Day.

Fiscal committee: no

LEGISLATIVE COUNSEL’S DIGEST

This measure would recognize April 16 as National Librarian Day in California.

WHEREAS, April 16, celebrated during National Library Week, is recognized nationwide as National Librarian Day; and

WHEREAS, California has a distinguished library history dating back to 1850, when the Legislature established the California State Library to serve the needs of lawmakers and the public; and

WHEREAS, The California State Library, founded in 1850, stands as one of the oldest state libraries west of the Mississippi River and has served as a vital repository of California’s legislative, historical, and cultural records; and

WHEREAS, The California public library system expanded significantly beginning in 1956 following the adoption of the federal Library Services Act, promoting equal access to information for residents in urban, suburban, and rural communities; and

WHEREAS, Today, more than 1,100 public library branches across the state serve millions of residents annually, offering free access to books, digital resources, literacy programs, workforce training, language services, and civic education; and

WHEREAS, California librarians have long championed intellectual freedom, equitable access to information, technological innovation, and the preservation of the state’s diverse cultural heritage; and

WHEREAS, Librarians across California provide essential services to seniors, veterans, students, immigrants, job seekers, and underserved communities, strengthening democratic participation and informed citizenship; and

WHEREAS, California’s libraries have evolved from traditional book repositories into modern community hubs offering digital literacy instruction, broadband access, disaster recovery information, and safe gathering spaces; and

WHEREAS, Librarians have played critical roles during times of crisis, including wildfires and the COVID-19 pandemic, ensuring continued public access to information and community resources; now, therefore, be it

Resolved by the Senate of the State of California, the Assembly thereof concurring, That the Legislature hereby recognizes April 16 as National Librarian Day in California and honors the librarians and library workers throughout the state for their dedication, professionalism, and service to the people of California; and be it further

Resolved, That the Legislature encourages all Californians to visit their local libraries, participate in National Library Week activities, and express appreciation for librarians who enrich communities through knowledge, service, and stewardship of information; and be it further

Resolved, That the Secretary of the Senate transmit copies of this resolution to the author for appropriate distribution.