SJ 380 — Commending Richmond Public Library.

SESSION INTRODUCEDENROLLED 23106876D I SENATE JOINT RESOLUTION NO.

380 NE OfferedN February 20, 2023 Commending Richmond Public Library.

––––––––––Agreed Tto Patrons––McClellan,by Hashmithe Senate, February 22, 2023 R Agreed to by the House of Delegates, February 23, 2023 O L and Spruill;promoting literacy for the benefit of the residents of Richmond, celebrated its 100th anniversary in 2022;

Delegates:and L WHEREAS, on November 16, 1922, the Richmond City Council passed an ordinance for a bond E issWHEREAS, the first physical location of the Richmond Public Library opened on October 13, 1924, D at 901 W.

Bagby, Bourne, Clark, McQuinn, Mundon King, R Rasoul and Willett –––––––––– O WHEREAS, Richmond Public Library, an institution dedicated to increasing access to informatiDn and promoting literacy for the benefit of the residents of Richmond, celebrated its 100th anniversary in 2022;

and U issue of $200,000 to support the creation of a public library for all;

andnance for a bond C WHEREAS, the first physical location of the Richmond Public Library opened on October 13, 19E4, at 901 W.

and D WHEREAS, in July 1925, what would be named the Rosa D.

Bowser Branch Library of the Richmondaccess Publicto Librarybooks openedand atother thereading YWCAmaterials; on N.

and 7th Street to provide Black Richmonders with accessWHEREAS, towhat bookswould become known as the Main Library of Richmond Public Library opened in at the corner of 1st Street and otherFranklin readingStreet materials;with the support of philanthropist Sallie May S Dooley;

the site would then undergo a major expansion beginning in 1967 and 1930was atreopened to the corner8 pubWHEREAS, Richmond Public Library extended its reach into the neighborhoods of 1stRichmond StreetE through the development of new branches, including the Belmont branch in 1956, the Westover Hills R branch in 1959, the Ginter Park branch in 1964, the East End branch in 1965, the Broad Rock branch in 1977, the West End branch in 1978, the North Avenue branch in 1983, and Franklinthe Hull Street withbranch in 198WHEREAS, Richmond Public Library has deployed innovative strategies over the supportyears to improve its ability to serve the residents of philanthropistRichmond, Sallieincluding Maythe Dooley;use of bookmobiles and kiosks to make access to materials more convenient for patrons;

and WHEREAS, the siteMain wouldLibrary thenand undergoeight abranches majorof expansionthe beginningRichmond inPublic 1967Library underwent programs and wasclasses, reopenedevent tospace, thefree wireless internet access, public oncomputers, Septemberand 15,other 1972;services to support the residents of Richmond;

and WHEREAS, Richmondwith Publica Library extended its reach into the neighborhoods of Richmond S through the development of new branches,strategic includingplan the Belmont branch in 1956,place thethat Westoverfocuses Hil8son branchaccessibility, inearly 1959,literacy, thelifelong Ginteranother Parkcentury branchsuccessfully inserving 1964, the East End branch in 1965, the Broad Rock bra0ch in 1977, the West End branch in 1978, the North Avenue branch in 1983, and the Hull Street branch in 198WHEREAS, Richmond Publiccommunity; Library has deployed innovative strategies over the years to improve its ability to serve the residents of Richmond, including the use of bookmobiles and kiosks to make access to materials more convenient for patrons;

andnow, WHEREAS,therefore, thebe Mainitrary Libraryis andpoised eightto branchesenjoy ofRESOLVED by the RichmondSenate, Publicthe LibraryHouse underwentof modernizingDelegates renovationsconcurring, betweenThat 2002 and 2017, enhancing the capacityGeneral forAssembly thesehereby locationscommend toRichmond offerPublic programsLibrary andon classes, event space, free wireless internet access, public computers, and other services to support the residentsoccasion of Richmond;its 100th anniversary;

and, be it RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the Senate prepare a copy of this resolution for institution's history and :its contributions to the Commonwealth.General Assembly's admiration for the

34 learning, and organizational strength, among other priorities, Richmond Public Library is poised to enjoy 35 another century successfully serving the Richmond community;

now, therefore, be it / 36 RESOLVED by the Senate, the House of Delegates concurring, That the General Assembly hereby / 37 commend Richmond Public Library on the occasion of its 100th anniversary;

and, be it 38 RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the Senate prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to Richmond Public Library as an expression of the General Assembly's admiration for the institution's history and its contributions to the Commonwealth.