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Bill

GM 1109

Informing the Legislature that on May 14, 2026, the Governor signed the following bill into law: HB2001 HD2 SD1 (ACT 009).

2026 Regular Session

Love My Library Day designates the first Friday in February each year to celebrate libraries and their role in access, learning, and community resilience.

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Bill Summary · GM 1109

Overview

  • Jurisdiction: Hawaii
  • Bill: HB2001 HD2 SD1 (ACT 009)
  • Session: 2026
  • Title: Relating to Love My Library Day
  • Status: Enacted into law on May 14, 2026

Main purpose and intent

  • Establishes a formal designation recognizing the importance of libraries and library workers.
  • Declares that the first Friday in February each year shall be known as “Love My Library Day.”
  • Aims to promote lifelong learning, civic engagement, access to information, and community celebration of library services.
  • Clarifies that Love My Library Day is not a state holiday.

Key provisions and changes

  • Section 1: Legislative findings

    • Affirms that all libraries (public, school, and higher education) are essential community anchors.
    • Emphasizes libraries’ roles in equity, access to information, digital access, cultural programming, early literacy, job resources, and civic engagement.
    • Notes libraries as resilience hubs during crises and their impact on education and community development.
    • Cites research and statistics about the benefits of libraries and the value of school librarians for student outcomes and collaboration with teachers.

  • Section 2: Designation

    • Amends Chapter 8, Hawaii Revised Statutes, to add a new section establishing “Love My Library Day” on the first Friday in February each year.
    • Explicitly states that this day is not a state holiday.

  • Section 3: Technical matters

    • Indicates new statutory material is underscored (formatting note for the statute).

  • Section 4: Effective date

    • The act takes effect upon approval (May 14, 2026).

Who or what would be affected

  • The designation applies statewide to all libraries within Hawaii, including:
    • Public libraries
    • School libraries
    • Higher education libraries
  • Library systems, library workers, students, educators, and the general public may observe and participate in activities tied to Love My Library Day.

Procedural and timeline aspects

  • Approval and signing: Act 009 approved by the Governor on May 14, 2026.
  • Effective date: Immediately upon approval (May 14, 2026).
  • Observance: First Friday in February of every year designated as Love My Library Day going forward.

Practical implications

  • Provides a formal annual occasion to celebrate libraries’ contributions to education, digital access, civic life, and community resilience.
  • Encourages public awareness, volunteerism, and potential investment in library services.
  • Does not create a paid holiday or mandated state government closures; it designates a commemorative day for public awareness and community activities.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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