Community to declare its right to libraries today

Waiakea Intermediate School Library will unveil a “Declaration for the Right to Libraries” during a community signing ceremony today.

The ceremony will begin at the library at 5:30 p.m., in advance of the state Board of Education meeting in the cafeteria starting at 6 p.m.

The agenda includes discussing “the community’s role in supporting student achievement and our public library system.”

“Signatures are being collected from signing events around the nation and will be presented in a ceremony in Washington, D.C., in May,” Librarian Debbie Anderson said. “If you love libraries, stand up and be counted. We encourage all community residents to visibly declare their right to vibrant and exceptional libraries. This is a right we cannot take for granted. Many people don’t realize the critical role libraries play, especially in the digital age. They serve as the great equalizer, serving people of every age, education level, income level, ethnicity and physical ability. For many people, libraries provide resources that they could not otherwise afford — resources they need to live, learn, work, and govern.”

For more information, visit www.ala.org.