WHEREAS, libraries provide the opportunity for everyone to pursue their passions and engage in lifelong learning, allowing them to live their best life; and
WHEREAS, libraries connect people to technology by providing access to computers, broadband internet, hotspots, and trainings that are critical for accessing education and employment opportunities; and
WHEREAS, libraries and librarians look beyond their traditional roles and provide transformative opportunities for education, employment, entrepreneurship, empowerment, and engagement, as well as new services that connect closely with patrons’ needs; and
WHEREAS, libraries adapt to the ever-changing needs of their communities, continually expanding their resources, services, and partnerships; and
WHEREAS, in times of crisis, libraries and library professionals play an invaluable role in supporting their communities both in person and virtually; and
WHEREAS, libraries strive to ensure equity of access for all by developing and maintaining programs and collections that are as diverse as the populations they serve; and
WHEREAS, to adapt to our changing world, libraries are expanding their resources and continuing to meet the needs of their patrons; and
WHEREAS, libraries are pioneers supporting democracy and effecting social change, with a commitment to providing equitable access to information for all library users regardless of race, ethnicity, creed, ability, sexual orientation, gender identity, or socio-economic status; and
WHEREAS, libraries, librarians, and library workers are joining library supporters and advocates across the state of North Carolina and beyond to celebrate National Library Week;
NOW, THEREFORE, I, ROY COOPER, Governor of the State of North Carolina, do hereby proclaim April 23 – 29, 2023, as “NATIONAL LIBRARY WEEK” in North Carolina, and commend its observance to all citizens.