15101262D: Public Libraries as Essential Services

We had a message from Senator Dave Marsden last night that he supports Delegate Mark Keam's draft legislation to designate libraries as essential services.  Senator Marsden wrote that he will sign on as co-patron of the legislation. 

And here is the draft bill 15101262D:

A BILL to amend and reenact

§ 42.1-46 of the Code of Virginia, relating to public libraries.

1       Be it enacted by the General Assembly of Virginia:
2       1. That § 42.1-46 of the Code of Virginia is amended and reenacted as follows:
3       § 42.1-46. Library policy of the Commonwealth.
It is hereby declared to be the policy of the Commonwealth, as a part of its provision for public education, to promote the establishment and development of public library service throughout its various political subdivisions. Further, it is the policy of the Commonwealth that public libraries are deemed to provide an essential service to the communities of the Commonwealth.


The Fairfax Library Advocates are grateful to Delegate Mark Keam and Senator Dave Marsden for supporting the Fairfax County Public Library and all the libraries of Virginia.

 Senator Dave Marsden, 37th District

 Delegate Mark Keam, 35th District