With books, computers and other resources, libraries are often considered important assets for their communities. This week is National Library Week, and libraries across the country will be celebrating and promoting library use.
National Library Week, which started in 1958, is sponsored by the American Library Association. The library celebration was born out of research conducted in the mid-1950s that showed Americans were spending less time reading books, and more time with radios, televisions and musical instruments, according to an ALA press release. The ALA and the American Book Publishers formed a nonprofit organization called the National Book Committee in 1954, and in 1957 the committee developed the plan for National Library Week. The thought was that once people were motivated to read, they would start supporting libraries. National Library Week became an annual celebration, and when the National Book Committee disbanded in 1974, ALA took on the program.
All types of libraries observe National Library Week, including school libraries, public libraries and academic libraries. This year’s theme for National Library Week is “Unlimited possibilities @ your library.”
Across the country, Tuesday will be National Library Workers Day, when library staff, users, administrators and support groups will recognize library workers. Wednesday is National Bookmobile Day, recognizing bookmobile outreaches. Thursday is Celebrate Teen Literature Day, aimed at highlighting the growing genre of young-adult literature.
In the Three Rivers Edition coverage area, several library systems will observe National Library Week in different ways.
The White County Regional Library System, based in Searcy, will take an opportunity this week to honor those who volunteer their time to help run and improve the libraries.
“We’re going to be recognizing our volunteers this week,” said Darla Ino, library director. “We have a few volunteers in Searcy who have been coming faithfully to help out.”
Additionally, Ino is looking toward the future of the library system. There are plans to move the Searcy library to a new building, and several possibilities have surfaced. Last Thursday evening, Ino was set to approach the Searcy City Council about a potential new site for the library. As of press time, though, no decision had been made concerning that conversation.
In Batesville, the Independence County Library will observe National Library Week by offering Fine-Free Days from April 12 through April 30. Patrons returning overdue materials on those dates will not be charged fines. The Independence County Library is at 368 E. Main St. in Batesville.
The Cabot Public Library, at 506 N. Grant St., has story time at 10:30 a.m. every Wednesday and Thursday.
Staff writer Angela Spencer can be reached at (501) 244-4307 or aspencer@arkansasonline.com.