Blaine County Library

National Library Week is a time to celebrate our nation’s libraries and library workers for transforming lives through free access to technology, information literacy, diverse collections and opportunities for community engagement. In a world of rapid technological and cultural change, libraries and library workers are establishing themselves as trusted resources for both individuals and the community at large. Conducting an online search can be a daunting task, even for an experienced researcher, with millions of hits for any question or topic. Librarians are trained experts who can guide library users through this information jungle to find what they are seeking, whether they are verifying news sources, investigating healthcare options or exploring sources of student financial aid.

Libraries also provide a wide range of opportunities for people with diverse wants and interests, including cultural heritage collections, materials in alternate formats such as large print, multilingual internet trainings, bilingual story hours, English as a Second Language classes and many other programs.

This year’s theme for National Library Week is “Libraries Transform,” and Olympic soccer gold medalist and World Cup champion, Julie Foudy is lending her support as National Library Week Honorary Chair. Foudy is helping to shine a light on the value of all types of libraries – school, public, academic and special – and the expertise of library workers.

National Library Week celebrations include the release of the American Library Association’s 2017 “State of America’s Libraries Report” on Monday, April 10. The annual report examines library trends of the past year and will include the highly anticipated “Top Ten List of the Most Challenged Books of 2016.”

On Tuesday, April 11, National Library Workers Day will recognize librarians, support staff and others who make library service possible every day. On Wednesday, April 12, National Bookmobile Day will acknowledge the impact bookmobiles and direct-delivery outreach services have played for more than 100 years. In addition, April is School Library Month, which is sponsored by the American Association of School Librarians, a division of the ALA.

First sponsored in 1958, National Library Week is a national observance sponsored by the American Library Association (ALA) and libraries across the country each April. It is a time to celebrate the contributions of our nation’s libraries and librarians and to promote library use and support. All types of libraries - school, public, academic and special - participate.

Blaine County Library is proud to participate in National Library Week. We will be giving out book bags and bookmarks to everyone who checks out library materials. We will have a coloring station set up all week, where patrons can relax and color. Tuesday we will have Story Time at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday will be the movie “Sully” at 1:00 p.m. Everyone is welcome to attend and refreshments will be served. Thursday will be LEGO Club at 3:30. We will also be conducting our annual survey. The survey guides library staff to improve services for our patrons. While you are here, be sure to sign up to win a door prize.