Gubernatorial Proclamation - School Library Media Month, National Library Week, and National Library Workers' Appreciation Day in the Virgin Islands

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UNITED STATES VIRGIN ISLANDS OFFICE OF THE GOVERNOR
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE	April 16, 2010

Gubernatorial Proclamation - School Library Media Month,
National Library Week, and National Library Workers' Appreciation Day

Governor John P. de Jongh, Jr. has proclaimed the month of April 2010 as “School Library Media Month,” and the week of April 11-17 as “National Library Week.” During these designated periods, we recognize our good fortune in having wonderful literature and informational resources available to us, and are grateful for the daily assistance and presence of our dedicated librarians and other professionals who share this intellectual wealth with all who utilize the Territory's libraries.

Both Governor de Jongh and First Lady de Jongh are passionate in their efforts to promote reading and literacy for all age levels, especially amongst youth. They have incorporated reading initiatives and other literacy efforts on all three islands to provide encouragement, motivation, and leadership on the importance of reading every day and utilizing books and other resources for educational and personal enrichment. This week, the Governor and First Lady read to students at the Williams Delight Head Start Center, the Evelyn M. Williams Elementary School, and the Community Methodist Complex Head Start on St. Croix. Additional readings are scheduled throughout the year in both districts.

Libraries are places where all can go to better themselves through information literacy, educational opportunity, self-help, and additional learning that enriches one’s life. Libraries play a vital and important role in supporting the quality of life in our communities. They are places where we discover a world of knowledge through books, archives, manuscripts, and a wealth of other media.

In the past decade, we have seen the encouraging trend of increased library use across the country. That would not be possible without the professional librarians who assist Virgin Islands citizens, regardless of age or background, in obtaining, interpreting and enjoying the information they seek.

American public, academic, and specialized libraries uplift our national discourse on intellectual freedom, realize the promise of equality of access, and benefit people facing a challenging economy. Computer centers integrated into libraries narrow the “digital divide” that threatens to drive a wedge between different economic classes in our country, for example. Our nation's vast network of diverse libraries improves the lives of millions of Americans and provides the masses with access to society's most treasured resources.

In April, the Virgin Islands joins communities across the country that support libraries. Governor de Jongh suggests marking School Library Media Month and National Library Week by visiting one of the Territory's excellent libraries, thanking its employees, and enjoying a good book.

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A PROCLAMATION

School Library Media Month, National Library Week, and National Library Workers' Appreciation Day in the Virgin Islands

WHEREAS our nation's schools, academic, public and special libraries make a difference in the lives of millions of Americans, today, more than ever; and

WHEREAS librarians are trained professionals, helping people of all ages and backgrounds become more information literate, by finding and interpreting the information they need to live, learn and work in a challenging economy; and

WHEREAS libraries are part of the American Dream -places for information literacy, opportunity, education, self-help and lifelong learning; and

WHEREAS library use is up nationwide among all types of library users, continuing a decade-long trend; and

WHEREAS libraries play a vital role in supporting the quality of life in their communities; and

WHEREAS libraries can help you discover a world of knowledge, both in person and online, as well as personal service and assistance in finding what you need, when you need it; and
WHEREAS libraries are a key player in the national discourse on intellectual freedom, equity of access, and narrowing the "digital divide"; and

WHEREAS libraries, librarians, library workers ,and supporters across America are celebrating School Library Media Month National Library Week, and National Library Workers' Appreciation Day;

NOW, THEREFORE, I, John P. de Jongh, Jr., Governor of the United States Virgin Islands, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Revised Organic Act of 1954, as amended, do hereby proclaim School Library Media Month (April), National Library Week (April 11-17, 2010), and National Library Workers' Appreciation Day (April 13, 2010). I encourage all residents to visit the library this month to take advantage of the wonderful library resources available and thank their librarians and library workers for making information accessible to all who walk through the library's doors. Remember: Worlds connect @ your library.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and caused the Seal of the Government of the United States Virgin Islands to be affixed at Charlotte Amalie, St. Thomas, Virgin Islands, this 7th day of April, A. D., 2010.

JOHN P. de Jongh, JR.