Welcome to National Library Week, an annual event that exemplifies the daily contributions our nation’s libraries and librarians give everyday. As a librarian, I everyday see the benefits and the resources that libraries provide to their communities. And especially now, with the world the way it is, we need libraries more than ever. The theme for this year is “Libraries Lead”. Keeping with this theme, we ask our patrons how the libraries has led them to a valuable aspect in their lives. We are there for you and right now, we need you to be there for us. Funding for libraries may have increased, but that does not change the threat we still under. That is why this week is a great way to show the importance of libraries and why they need to be celebrated. Here are some ways you can help celebrate this week:
No Fake News – Rest assured, you will not find any fake news at libraries. We make sure all the information we provide is accurate and up to date. Take a look at all the databases that libraries subscribe to. They have reliable sources and make sure you are kept in the know.
Sign Up For a Library Card – Show your support of the continue use of libraries by signing up for a library card. You’ll be surprised at the many benefits you get with a library card!
Take advantage of the free – Everything in the library is free! Free books, free DVDs (if libraries circulate them), free music…you borrow for a length of time and you can return them to get more items or extend your loan period. What better way to celebrate libraries than to actually use their collection.
Attend a library program – Participate in library programs that are tirelessly created by experienced librarians. These programs meet communities’needs and again, they are absolutely for free! Library programs range from preschool story time to gaming programs. It also gives the opportunity for communities to come together, especially for book clubs and writing circles. There is no better way to show how important the library is in your life.
Volunteer at Your Library – Advocate for the continue use of libraries by volunteering at your local one! Libraries need help and library workers can feel overworked, so volunteer work would be more than helpful. It shows community strength and support for libraries, especially when you see local residents helping out.
Encourage the Young to Use the Library – There have been countless studies where early reading has proved beneficial to developing minds. In order for the continue existence of libraries, children and teens need to be encouraged to use the library. They need to know that yes, it is a place of learning, but also a place of fun and creativity. It will work better for them in the future.
Advocate For Libraries – Tomorrow was designated by the ALA (American Libraries Association) as Take Action For Libraries Day. This day was observed for the first time in 2017, in response to the proposed cuts to the federal funding of libraries. This your chance to thank your Senators and Representatives who signed the 2019 “Dear Appropriator” letters that supported funding for libraries at a national level.
We need to safeguard our collections and advocacy for libraries is a great way to start.
Celebrating libraries shouldn’t just be one week, it should be an everyday occurrence. However, let us take this week to recognize the importance of these institutions and the invaluable resources they provide to communities everyday.
How have the libraries “led” you?
Discover more from cup of tea with that book, please
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I’ve loved libraries all my life. So much so that I made it my career. I am now retired, but worked as a public library cataloger for decades.