HOUSE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION 113

(By Delegates Ellington, Statler, G. Ward, Kimble, Mazzocchi, Horst, Bridges, Wamsley, Jennings, Phillips, and Toney)

[March 12, 2022]

Requesting the Joint Committee on Government and Finance study how public libraries are funded and supported.

Whereas, Public libraries have a long and varied history serving the people of West Virginia; and

Whereas, Public libraries serve as anchor institutions for information, education, and the gathering of people for recreation and work; and

Whereas, Public libraries assist the community with needs such as reading materials, internet access, personal computers and other technology, literacy programs; and

Whereas, West Virginia’s 55 counties are served by 97 library systems charged with promoting a love of reading, access to information and enhancing their quality of life through community driven programs local public libraries provide services through 171 public library locations located in all 55 counties; and

Whereas, Support to public libraries has traditionally been focused on core library functions such as books and children’s programs, the demands on facilities and operating budgets have increased; and state funding for public libraries has not increased in more than 10 years; therefore, be it

Resolved by the Legislature of West Virginia:

That the Joint Committee on Government and Finance study how public libraries are funded and supported; and, be it

Further Resolved, That the Joint Committee on Government and Finance report to the Regular Session of the Legislature, 2023, on its findings, conclusions, and recommendations, together with drafts of any legislation necessary to effectuate its recommendations; and, be it

Further Resolved, That the expenses necessary to conduct this study, to prepare a report, and to draft necessary legislation be paid from legislative appropriations to the Joint Committee on Government and Finance.