* WARNING: THIS IS AN UNOFFICIAL, INTRODUCTORY COPY OF THE BILL.
THE OFFICIAL COPY CONSIDERED BY THE CITY COUNCIL IS THE FIRST READER COPY.
INTRODUCTORY*
CITY OF BALTIMORE
COUNCIL BILL R
(Resolution)
Introduced by: President Dixon
A RESOLUTION ENTITLED
A COUNCIL RESOLUTION concerning
Title
September 2005 - Library Sign-Up Month
FOR the purpose of recognizing September 2005 as Library Sign-up Month in the City of Baltimore and encouraging everyone to sign up for the smartest card, a library card.
Body
Recitals
September is Library Sign-up Month - a time when the American Library Association and libraries across the country remind parents that a library card is the most important school supply of all. The observance was launched in 1987, to meet the challenge of then Secretary of Education William J. Bennett who said: "Let's have a national campaign...every child should obtain a library card - and use it." Since then, thousands of public and school libraries join each fall in a national effort to ensure that every child does just that.
Library cards are generally free to those living in the library's service area. In most cases, borrowing privileges are granted on the spot. Some libraries may require some form of identification, proof of residency, or the signature of a guardian.
Libraries play an important role in the education and development of children. Studies show that children who are read to in the home and who use the library perform better in school and are more likely to continue to use the library as a source of lifetime learning
Libraries offer books, magazines, audio- and videotapes, computers, software, and other multimedia materials. Libraries offer a wide range of other items on loan to children and their families, including toys, games and puzzles. Most can be borrowed for home use simply by showing a library card. And librarians are on hand to help recommend materials suitable for various ages and interests.
Libraries also offer a variety of programs to stimulate an interest in reading and learning. Preschool story hours expose young children to the joy of reading, while homework centers provide computers and assistance to older children after school. Summer reading clubs keep children reading during school vacation and have been shown to be the most important factor in avoiding the decrease in reading skills that educators refer to as "summer learning loss".
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF BALTIMORE, That this Body hereby recognizes September 2005 as Library Sign-up Month in the City of Baltimore and encourages everyone to sign up for the smartest card, a library card.
AND BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution be sent to the Mayor, the Mayor's Legislative Liaison to the Council, and to the Director of the Enoch Pratt Free Library System.
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