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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. The 2013 National Library Week was celebrated between Apr. 14 -20 in school, campus and community libraries nationwide, as a time to highlight the value of libraries and those who work in them, from volunteers or trained librarians.
Libraries are often the heart of their communities, working with elected officials, business owners, students and the public at large to meet the needs of the community. More than just a repository for books, libraries may offer e-books, technology classes, materials for English-language learners, programs for job seekers, and a place where everyone in the community can gather to reconnect and reengage with each other to enrich and shape the community and address local issues.
Among the celebrations activities at the local libraries, several young students won a 2013 National Library Week Poster. In order of first, second and third place, the winners were, for kindergarten: Jessalyn Sims, Avery Acuna, Timothy Baker; for first grade: Lance Goodwin, Alexis Gallego and Gabriella Leybas; for second grade: Hunter Day, Dominic Bidegain, and Paxton Hansen; for third grade: Marissa Baez, Brina Morales and Kimberly Newman; for fourth grade: Neuyah Stacy, Matt Rutter and Saul Torres.
National Library Week is a great reminder of the wonderful work performed by librarians who do so much more than simply stock books and keep track of their return. The posters will serve as a year-round reminder to these fortunate few children to appreciate this free community resource, and all those who work within its walls.
Though the week is over, there is still time to stop in and check out your local library to see what it has to offer for you.
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