US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session

US Federal House Bill HR328

Introduced
4/10/25  

Caption

Expressing support for the staff of public, school, academic, and special libraries in the United States and the essential services those libraries provide to communities, recognizing the need for funding commensurate with the broad scope of social service and community supports provided by libraries, preserving the right of all citizens of the United States to freely access information and resources in their communities, supporting a strong union voice for library workers, and defending the civil rights of library staff.

Impact

This resolution aims to reaffirm the rights of library workers, including their right to unionize and advocate for safer working environments. It advocates for full funding of library services at all levels of government to ensure these institutions can meet the expanding demands of their communities. The bill asserts that libraries serve as a critical infrastructure that enable citizens to access information freely, thereby supporting the democratic process and individual rights.

Summary

House Resolution 328 expresses support for library staff across public, school, academic, and special libraries in the United States while highlighting the essential services these libraries provide. The resolution acknowledges the pressing need for proper funding to sustain library services, which are regarded as fundamental for community development, education, and access to vital information. By underscoring the importance of libraries, HR328 illustrates their role as cornerstones of communities, especially during recent public crises such as the opioid epidemic and the COVID-19 pandemic.

Contention

The resolution also addresses ongoing issues faced by libraries, such as threats to information access and challenges from censorship, particularly in the wake of increasing instances of book bans. Library staff are described as having to confront harassment and unsafe working conditions, which have emerged as significant points of contention in recent times. Supporters of HR328 believe it's essential to protect library services and the professionals who deliver these services to ensure they remain viable resources for all community members, especially marginalized groups.

Congress_id

119-HRES-328

Policy_area

Arts, Culture, Religion

Introduced_date

2025-04-10

Companion Bills

US SR169

Same As A resolution expressing support for the staff of public, school, academic, and special libraries in the United States and the essential services those libraries provide to communities, recognizing the need for funding commensurate with the broad scope of social service and community supports provided by libraries, preserving the right of all citizens of the United States to freely access information and resources in their communities, supporting a strong union voice for library workers, and defending the civil rights of library staff.

US HR1212

Same As Expressing support for the staff of public, school, academic, and special libraries in the United States and the essential services those libraries provide to communities, recognizing the need for funding commensurate with the broad scope of social service and community supports provided by libraries, preserving the right of all citizens of the United States to freely access information and resources in their communities, supporting a strong union voice for library workers, and defending the civil rights of library staff.

Previously Filed As

US HR1212

Expressing support for the staff of public, school, academic, and special libraries in the United States and the essential services those libraries provide to communities, recognizing the need for funding commensurate with the broad scope of social service and community supports provided by libraries, preserving the right of all citizens of the United States to freely access information and resources in their communities, supporting a strong union voice for library workers, and defending the civil rights of library staff.

US SR688

A resolution expressing support for the staff of public, school, academic, and special libraries in the United States and the essential services those libraries provide to communities, recognizing the need for funding commensurate with the broad scope of social service and community supports provided by libraries, preserving the right of all citizens of the United States to freely access information and resources in their communities, supporting a strong union voice for library workers, and defending the civil rights of library staff.

US SR169

A resolution expressing support for the staff of public, school, academic, and special libraries in the United States and the essential services those libraries provide to communities, recognizing the need for funding commensurate with the broad scope of social service and community supports provided by libraries, preserving the right of all citizens of the United States to freely access information and resources in their communities, supporting a strong union voice for library workers, and defending the civil rights of library staff.

US A05211

Relates to librarians of school libraries.

US SB00523

An Act Concerning The Curation And Retention Of Literary Materials Contained In Public And School Libraries And Legal Protections Afforded To Librarians And Staff Working In Such Libraries.

US SB74

Harmful Materials to Minors; exemption for libraries and librarians from the provisions of Code Section 16-12-103; repeal

US A07353

Protects the independence of libraries; shields librarians from civil and criminal liability for certain actions.

US S01100

Ensures that library staff of free association, public, and hospital libraries, and with certain advice, Indian libraries, are able to develop collections, services, and programming that reflect the values and protections established under the human rights law and the equal rights amendment to the state constitution.

US A03119

Ensures that library staff of free association, public, and hospital libraries, and with certain advice, Indian libraries, are able to develop collections, services, and programming that reflect the values and protections established under the human rights law and the equal rights amendment to the state constitution.

US S06870

Relates to conducting a study on the access of state public libraries and library systems to capital funding; provides the department of education, in consultation with the dormitory authority, the office of the state comptroller, and the public library systems of the state, shall assess and report on the capital needs of such public library systems, including public libraries and association libraries.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.