The American Library Association
sponsored the first National Library Week in 1958. All kinds of libraries
celebrate – public, academic, special, and school. It’s a time to celebrate the
ways these libraries contribute to their communities, to publicize their
offerings, and to promote library support. This year’s theme is “Libraries
Transform.”
If you’d like to join the celebration,
the ALA has designated these special events for the week. Here’s the calendar
from their website:
Monday,
April 10: State of America's Libraries Report released, including Top Ten
Frequently Challenged Books of 2016.
Tuesday,
April 11: National
Library Workers Day, a day for library staff, users,
administrators and Friends groups to recognize the valuable contributions made
by all library workers.
Wednesday,
April 12: National Bookmobile Day, a day to
recognize the contributions of our nation's bookmobiles and the dedicated
professionals who make quality bookmobile outreach possible in their
communities.
Thursday, April 13, has just been designated TakeAction for Libraries Day.
Next the ALA is working on Senate Dear Appropriator letters for LSTA and IAL. This Senate tracker will show if your Senator signed last year.
What a year for libraries. It’s not all banned books,
maker spaces, and best sellers. Now librarians can add advocacy to their to-do
lists.
Be sure to stop by your library and let the
librarians know you appreciate them. Just don’t ask them to do your taxes.
Librarians really don’t like that.
Several years ago our local rep saved library funding during Ohio budget cuts. I'll start sending messages to our congressman. Our local library is the hub of the community and offers free holds from the local Cincinnati/Hamilton County system and Ohio colleges and universities.
ReplyDeleteGreat post! Didn't know it was National Library Week, so this is both newsworthy and fun to read. :-)
ReplyDeleteHi Margaret,
ReplyDeleteYes, write those letters! I've been heartened by the responses I've received from elected officials. We just have to keep libraries on their radar. Keep fighting the good fight!
Hi Art,
ReplyDeleteThank you for stopping by. I hope you and Dash plan a celebratory visit to Burke Center. You'll probably hear that FCPL's hours may be on the budget chopping block. It never ends. Looking forward to seeing you at Malice!
I volunteer at my local library, which is a great resource.
ReplyDeleteI donate books to the library for their annual sales, and I donate my own books, too. I visit two local libraries often, and I will send letters.
ReplyDeleteWho doesn't love libraries? How could anyone consider defunding them? URGH!!!!! As a child, I believed all the magic and knowledge in the world was concentrated in libraries. I've never lost the feeling.
ReplyDeleteLibraries are important! Only those who can easily afford to buy all the books they want (and possibly those who can't read!) could be for cutting library funding.
ReplyDeleteHi Warren, Gloria, Kait, and KM - I love the library passion! I wish more people were like you, and truly supported their libraries.
ReplyDeleteAnd Kait - sadly, there are a ton of politicians out there who, evidently, didn't get the library magic when they were young. I can't tell you how many times I've heard "but everything is on the internet" (totally ignoring the people who don't have access) and "everyone should just buy their own books (tell that to a mom who has to decide between food and books for her kids).
ReplyDeleteThis stupid move to cut funding for libraries is coming from the same people who want to cut funding for PBS. Sadly, the dumbing of America continues. Contribute to your local library and your local public radio station. If you don't, it may not be there for the next generation.
ReplyDeleteYeah, Grace!
ReplyDelete