Bill
SJR 31
Designates the second week of September each year as Library Awareness Week in New Jersey to promote libraries and encourage official observance and public awareness.
Status snapshot
- Bill type: Joint Resolution (commemorative)
- Title: Designates the second week of September of each year as “Library Awareness Week in New Jersey.”
- Introduced: December 18, 2024
- Effective: Immediately (per resolution text)
- Legislative history (provided): Read first time Feb 3, 2025; referred to committee; transferred to House May 30, 2025; adopted by both houses and final “Resolution Adopted” entries on Oct 30, 2025. (See note on jurisdiction below.)
Purpose and intent
- The resolution formally designates the second week of September each year as “Library Awareness Week in New Jersey.”
- It aims to promote public pride in, and awareness of, libraries and library professionals, and to encourage public officials and residents to observe the week with appropriate activities recognizing libraries’ role in democracy, lifelong learning, and equitable access to information.
Key provisions
- Annual designation: Declares the second week of September of each year as “Library Awareness Week in New Jersey.”
- Governor’s proclamation: Requests that the Governor annually issue a proclamation recognizing the week and calling on public officials and residents to observe it with related programs and activities.
- Observance encouragement: Encourages use of the week to promote library services such as internet access, children’s programming, ESL instruction, tutoring, meeting spaces, and other community resources.
- Effective date: The joint resolution states it takes effect immediately.
- Fiscal effect: Ceremonial/commemorative in nature — no funding, regulatory changes, or mandates included.
Who is affected / potential impact
- Direct legal impact: None — the resolution is commemorative and does not create new rights, duties, or appropriations.
- Symbolic and practical impact: Libraries, library staff, school and public officials, community organizations, and residents could use the designated week for outreach, programming, publicity, fundraising, volunteer recruitment, and advocacy for library services and information access.
- Equity and access emphasis: Reinforces recognition of library roles in narrowing the digital divide and supporting intellectual freedom.
Procedural / timeline notes and caveat
- The supplied materials include a complete resolution text designating Library Awareness Week and ask for an annual gubernatorial proclamation; the resolution states it takes effect immediately.
- The legislative action history provided shows movement and final adoption entries through October 30, 2025.
- Important caveat: The package you provided mixes materials and metadata from different jurisdictions — for example, an unrelated Illinois joint resolution text concerning small and midsize manufacturers appears in the document, and many sponsor names and committee references align with Illinois legislative formats. The title and the resolution text itself reference New Jersey. Before relying on this for legal or official purposes, verify the final status and authoritative text in the appropriate state legislative database (New Jersey Legislature or the other state’s legislature) to confirm jurisdiction and final disposition.
Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.
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