Page:United States Statutes at Large Volume 100 Part 2.djvu/140

 100 STAT. 1242

PUBLIC LAW 99-494—OCT. 16, 1986

Public Law 99-494 99th Congress Joint Resolution Oct. 16, 1986 [H.J. Res. 671]

Designating 1987 as the "Year of the Reader".

Whereas the ability and opportunity to read are of fundamental importance to everyone; Whereas this Nation's democratic, individualistic tradition depends on a literate, informed citizenry; Whereas the National Commission on Reading, the Librarian of Congress, and others have recently reported that an alarmingly large number of Americans are not able or motivated to read; Whereas the Center for the Book in the Library of Congress has concluded that there is an urgent need to focus national attention on the importance of reading and to strengthen national and local efforts to combat illiteracy; and Whereas this Nation, built on ideas expressed through books and the printed word, will celebrate the Bicentennial of the Constitution in 1987: Now, therefore, be it Resolved by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled, That 1987 is designated the "Year of the Reader" and the President is authorized and requested to issue a proclamation encouraging parents, teachers, librarians, government officials, members of the book and business communities, and the people of the United States to observe such year with appropriate programs, ceremonies, and activities aimed at restoring reading to a place of preeminence in our personal lives and in the life of our Nation. Approved October 16, 1986.

LEGISLATIVE HISTORY—H.J. Res. 671: CONGRESSIONAL RECORD, Vol. 132 (1986): Oct. 1, considered and passed House. Oct. 3, considered and passed Senate.

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