PUBLIC LAW 100-635—NOV. 7, 1988 102 STAT. 3323

Public Law 100-635
100th Congress

Joint Resolution

To designate the week of November 28 through December 5,1988, as "National Nov 7 1988

Book Week". [S.J. Res. 342]

Whereas an informed electorate is vital to a strong democracy;
Whereas books have been replaced by television as a primary source

of information and entertainment;
Whereas books have provided the means whereby our history and

knowledge have passed from one generation to the next;
Whereas a national effort to promote books and writers would

complement efforts of literacy programs, encourage reading, and

advance the literature of the United States;
Whereas the Department of Education estimates the adult illiteracy

rate to be 13 percent (17,000,000 to 21,000,000 persons) among

United States adults over 19 years of age;

Whereas illiteracy impairs the ability to learn, analyze, and commu-
nicate; and
Whereas this Nation must make a concerted effort to teach its

citizens how to read and make them aware of the vast benefits of

literacy: Now, therefore, be it

Resolved by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United
States of America in Congress assembled, That the week of Novem-
ber 28 through December 5, 1988, is designated as "National Book
Week", and the President is authorized and requested to issue a
proclamation calling upon the people of the United States to observe
such week with appropriate ceremonies and activities.

Approved November 7, 1988.

LEGISLATIVE HISTORY—S.J. Res. 342:

CONGRESSIONAL RECORD, Vol. 134 (1988):
July 26, considered and passed Senate.
Oct. 21, considered and passed House.

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