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.

This resolution expresses profound support for library staff and the essential services they provide, recognizing their role as cornerstones of communities. Libraries offer vital resources such as books, media, internet access, and high-quality programming, while also linking individuals to crucial social services and economic support for job seekers and small businesses. Library staff have increasingly addressed public crises, including the opioid epidemic and the COVID-19 pandemic, often providing critical care and resources beyond traditional library functions, and serving as safe havens for unhoused individuals.

Despite these expanded demands, libraries frequently contend with severe funding cuts, leading to unsustainable and unsafe working conditions for staff. The resolution specifically condemns efforts to eliminate the Institute of Museum and Library Services, which would severely harm libraries' ability to provide critical resources, especially in rural and underserved areas. It also addresses the critical issue of book bans and censorship, noting thousands of instances in school libraries and classrooms.

The resolution asserts that library staff must be able to curate diverse and inclusive collections free from threats, termination, or criminalization for fulfilling their role in providing unfettered access to information. It reaffirms the fundamental right of all citizens to access information and the right of library workers to organize, collectively bargain, and exercise their civil rights without intimidation. The resolution calls for the prioritization of full funding for library services at Federal, State, and local levels to ensure their continuation and improvement, underscoring their vital role in preserving democracy.