National Library Week 2017

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.

Celebrate National Library Week April 10-16

Next week is National Library Week. 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. Whether you are getting your first library card, learning new computer skills or planning a trip, the library is the place where your story begins. This National Library Week, join our nation’s libraries and librarians and Create your own story @ your library.

As part of National Library Week, the Lillie M. Evans Library District will be participating in Illinois Snapshot Day on Wednesday, April 13. We hope our loyal patrons will stop by and be a part of this historic day. Libraries around Illinois will be collecting and compiling information, comments, and photographs from events in a typical library day. The results can not only provide indisputable proof that libraries consistently provide invaluable services, but they also can be an important tool in crafting the story of local libraries in the 21st century, and in educating decision makers at the federal, state, and local level of our value to the community.

Enjoy your week, and we hope to see you on Wednesday!