National
Library Week, April 9 – 15, 2017, is a time to celebrate our nation’s libraries
and library workers for transforming lives through 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, online language courses, and many other programs. Library programming and offerings continue to
expand to reflect the changing needs of the communities they serve.
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.
First sponsored in 1958,
National Library Week is observed each April by the American Library
Association and libraries across the country. For more information on National
Library Week, visit ILoveLibraries.org/NLW or follow #NationalLibraryWeek.
