WeVote
Log In

Bill

Bill

SJR 1138

Memorials, Recognition - Greeneville-Greene County Public Library -

114th Regular Session (2025-2026) Introduced by Steve Southerland

The resolution honors the Greeneville-Greene County Public Library for 50 years at its current location and its role in promoting literacy, access to information, and community his

Transmitted to Governor for action.
#memorials #recognition
0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · SJR 1138

Summary: Senate Joint Resolution 1138 (SJR 1138) – Tennessee, 114th General Assembly

Purpose

  • To honor and recognize the Greeneville-Greene County Public Library on the occasion of fifty years at its current location (210 N. Main Street).

Key provisions and changes

  • Official expression of appreciation and commendation from the Tennessee General Assembly for the library’s milestone.
  • Acknowledges the library’s role in promoting growth, discovery, literacy, and access to information through print and digital materials, including internet access, public computers, and office services.
  • Recites a brief historical narrative of the library:
    • Established in 1908; housed at the Carnegie Library on Summer Street (1915–1975).
    • Move to a new facility due to growth needs and significant repairs required for the old building.
    • Budget context: project cost for the new library identified as $360,000.
    • Community fundraising: Greene County residents raised approximately $140,000 (about 38% of total cost) in an 18-month period—described as the county’s largest fundraising effort to that date.
    • Relocation: In October–November 1975, volunteers and a local Girl Scout troop moved the entire collection by hand from the old library to the new Main Street location.
    • Opening: The new 10,000-square-foot building opened on November 9, 1975; the size was four times larger than the prior Carnegie library.
  • Expresses that the library remains a vital, safe, welcoming public space and a resource for learning and cultural exploration.

Who/what would be affected

  • The Greeneville-Greene County Public Library and its staff, patrons, and the broader Greene County community are the primary subjects of the resolution.
  • The bill does not impose duties or changes on library operations; rather, it recognizes and honors the library’s history and ongoing contributions.

Procedural and timeline aspects

  • Legislative status:
    • Introduced: April 14, 2026
    • Passed on First Consideration: April 15, 2026
  • Sponsor: Senator Steve Southerland (co-sponsor)
  • Nature of bill: A memorial resolution (SJR), which is ceremonial and does not create new law or funding.
  • Final form: The resolution would be printed with language honoring the library; it includes a standard clause that upon request, a copy of the resolution can be prepared for presentation, omitting certain designation lines.

Impact and significance

  • Non-binding commemorative recognition intended to publicly acknowledge the library’s 50-year presence at its current location and its historical community fundraising efforts.
  • Highlights the library’s long-standing role in providing access to information and technology resources for residents.
  • May serve to raise community pride and awareness of local library history and accomplishments.

If you’d like, I can provide a concise one-paragraph summary for press releases or a line-item glossary of the historical milestones cited within the resolution.

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

Sign in to ask a question.