Whereas; Libraries serve as a cornerstone of our democracy and must be safeguarded. An informed public constitutes the very foundation of a democracy, and public, academic, government, special, and particularly unofficially constituted or "guerilla" libraries ensure that every citizen has free access to a wide range of information.
Whereas; The Occupy Wall Street (OWS) People’s Library in New York City's Zuccotti Park served as an example of a "guerilla" library as well as a reminder that libraries are an organic part of all communities, not just those that are officially sanctioned by larger institutions such as governments or businesses.
Whereas; Libraries serve the needs of community members and preserve the record of community history.
Whereas; In the case of the People’s Library, this includes irreplaceable records and archival material related to the OWS movement and the temporary community that it represents. Every library collection is entitled to exist and be protected regardless of supporters or detractors.
Whereas; “We support the librarians and volunteers of the OWS movement Library Working Group as they re-establish the People’s Library.”
Be it resolved; “The American Library Association deplores the destruction of the OWS movement People's Library, all libraries, all library collections and property, and the disruption of the educational purpose by that act, whether it be done by governments or governmental agencies, individuals or groups of individuals and whether it be in the name of honest dissent, the desire to control or limit thought or ideas, or for any other purpose.”
Mover: Patrick Sweeney
Seconder: Aaron Dobbs, Stephanie Braunstein, Bobbi Newman, Charles Kratz, Mike Marlin, Et Al. (feel free to add your name to the list of co-sponsors ;)
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