THE SENATE	S.R. NO.	4
THIRTY-SECOND LEGISLATURE, 2024
STATE OF HAWAII

SENATE RESOLUTION

requesting the hawaii state public library system to establish a hawaii deaf culture digital library for the deaf and hard of hearing community.

WHEREAS, public libraries statewide provide library users with free access to thousands of printed materials, digital resources, and physical and streamed media; and

WHEREAS, the Hawaii State Library for the Blind and Print Disabled provides vital access to informational and recreational reading and assistive technology resources for library users; and

WHEREAS, while existing services provide the State's deaf and hard of hearing community with resources to library materials, digital resources may provide library users who are deaf and hard of hearing with accessible materials through digital mediums offered at other public library locations; and

WHEREAS, Virginia and Maryland have established deaf culture libraries for both public library users and the deaf and hard of hearing community to learn more about topics such as library services, deaf culture, American Sign Language, and other related programming; and

WHEREAS, successful implementation of deaf culture libraries in other jurisdictions provide a valuable framework to support existing programs administered by the Hawaii State Public Library System; and

WHEREAS, establishing a deaf culture digital library would promote accessibility, inspire the community through self-development, enable public library users to build valuable skill sets, and provide a service to a historically-underserved portion of the Hawaii State Public Library System; now, therefore,

BE IT RESOLVED by the Senate of the Thirty-second Legislature of the State of Hawaii, Regular Session of 2024, that the Hawaii State Public Library System is requested to establish a Hawaii Deaf Culture Digital Library for the deaf and hard of hearing community; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Hawaii State Public Library System is requested to consult with:

(1) Big Island Deaf Club;

(2) Signs of Fun Program; and

(3) Other relevant stakeholders whose expertise may be relevant to the creation of a Deaf Culture Digital Library; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Hawaii State Public Library System is requested to submit a report of its findings and recommendations, including any proposed legislation, to the Legislature no later than twenty days prior to the convening of the Regular Session of 2025; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that certified copies of this Resolution be transmitted to the State Librarian, President of Big Island Deaf Club, and Camp Director of Signs of Fun Summer Camp Hawaii.

OFFERED BY:

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Report Title:

Deaf and Blind Task Force; Hawaii State Public Library System; Deaf Culture Digital Library; Deaf and Hard of Hearing; Libraries