Bill · S.Res. 688· Senate(119-SRES-688)
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.
- Introduced
- 4/27/2026
- Last activity
- 4/27/2026 — Referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions. (text: CR S2055-2056)
- Sponsored by
- Mazie Hirono
- Cosponsors
- - 8 - 0
- Introduced
- In Committee
A Senate resolution is the Senate speaking for itself: stating a position, honouring someone, or setting its own rules. Adopting it is the whole process. Once the Senate agrees to it, it is officially the Senate's word; it is not a law, so the House and the President have no part in it.
What this bill would do
This resolution expresses support for the staff working in public, school, academic, and special libraries throughout the United States. It recognizes the essential services these libraries provide to their communities and the need for funding that matches the scope of their social services. The resolution aims to preserve the right of all citizens to access information and resources freely. Additionally, it supports a strong union voice for library workers and seeks to defend their civil rights. Finally, it recognizes the critical role libraries play in the nation's democracy and future.
Yes· 3 of 17
Would union members be better off under this?+8
The resolution specifically supports the right of library workers to organize and collectively bargain.
Does this strengthen the rights of workers to organise?+8
The resolution explicitly supports the right of library workers to organize and collectively bargain.
Does this get reliable internet to more people?+7
The resolution highlights the role of libraries in providing essential internet access to underserved communities.
The opposite
No question was scored the opposite.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
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Access to Information and Resources: The resolution supports the fundamental right of all citizens to freely access information and resources in their communities (Resolution Text).
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Economic and Skill Development: Libraries act as an economic powerhouse by providing resources to job seekers, small business owners, and people learning new skills (Whereas clauses).
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Community Support and Safety: Libraries serve as a safe haven for unhoused individuals and families, providing a supportive environment and necessary resources (Whereas clauses).
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Public Health Services: Library staff provide lifesaving care, such as administering medication to treat overdoses during the opioid epidemic (Whereas clauses).
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Digital Inclusion: Libraries provide essential internet access, which is often the only source of internet for underserved communities (Whereas clauses).
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Educational Benefits: Library staff help students by curating diverse book offerings, which is linked to increased reading time and higher reading scores (Whereas clauses).
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Worker Rights and Protection: The resolution supports the right of library workers to organize, collectively bargain, and exercise their civil rights without fear of intimidation or threats (Resolution Section 5).
Potential Negative Impacts for People
- Loss of Critical Resources: The elimination of the Institute of Museum and Library Services could harm the ability of libraries to provide critical resources, particularly to rural, Tribal, and underserved communities (Whereas clauses).
Groups and Interests Ranking
Every group the model scored this bill for, from -10 to +10. Hover a score for the reason it gave.
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Good For Union Workers+8Good For Children+6Good For Low Income Households+6Good For Rural Residents+6Good For Native Americans+5Good For Young Adults+5Good For Middle Class Households+3
- Economy And Finance
- Improves Union Protections+8Improves Small Business Support+5
- Social Issues And Justice
- Improves Racial Equity+5Improves Poverty Reduction+4Reduces Homelessness+4
- Education And Technology
- Improves Internet Access+7Increases Public School Funding+5
- Governance And Ideology
- Improves Freedom Of Speech+7Improves Government Transparency+5
- Healthcare
- Improves Opioid Crisis Response+6
- 4/27/2026
- Submitted in Senate
- Referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions. (text: CR S2055-2056)
- 8 Cosponsors added.
3 bills Congress.gov lists as related to this one — companions in the other chamber, earlier versions, and bills this one absorbed or was folded into.
- 119-HRES-328: 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.
- 119-HRES-1212: 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.
- 119-SRES-169: 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.
Lisa Blunt RochesterDemocrat · Delaware
Richard DurbinDemocrat · Illinois
Ben LujánDemocrat · New Mexico
Edward MarkeyDemocrat · Massachusetts
Alex PadillaDemocrat · California
John ReedDemocrat · Rhode Island
Chris Van HollenDemocrat · Maryland
Ron WydenDemocrat · Oregon