By Richmond Hill Friends of the Library

April 23-29 is National Library Week. In the mid 1950’ s research revealed that less money was being spent on books than on other forms of entertainment. A nonprofit citizens ‘ organization made up of the ALA, and American Book Publishers was formed to combat the problem - to get folks reading and using libraries. By 1957 a plan for a National Library Week as an annual event that would highlight “the valuable role libraries, librarians and library workers play in transforming lives and strengthening our communities.” came into being.

This year National Library Week is being celebrated the week of April 23 -29 . Its funky poster illustrate the theme -There’s More to the Story - libraries are no longer mere repositories of books but include many and varied opportunities for amusement and learning.

Each day of Library Week is dedicated to some aspect of library activities.

Monday ,April 24 the State of America’s Libraries Report will be released. Included in this report is the list of the Frequently Challenged Books from last year.

Libraries, schools and media send reports to the ALA Office for Intellectual Freedom concerning attempts to ban books. The AlA-OIF in turn compiles the list in order to inform the public of censorship efforts that affect libraries and schools.

The ALA does not ban books. It condemns censorship and works to insure free access to information.

Much information on the subject of banned books is available on line.

Library Workers’ Day, Tuesday, April 25 . highlights the many and varied responsibilities of library workers. Scheduling activities, assisting with computers and copy machines, handling the many books from Pines, checking in and out the various mataerials available, including books, and the list goes on as illustrated in the theme -”There’s More to the Story”. Wednesday, April 26, National Library Outreach Day , challenges libraries to reach beyond the four walls to supply books and materials to those unable to come to the library and to supply materials for those with special needs .

Thursday, April 27 is Take Action for Libraries – a time to encourage the powers that be to support our libraries. Take a minute during library week to stop at the temporary location of the Richmond Hill Library – 55 Bass Driveand thank the ladies who are diligently holding things together during the renovation of the building on Highway 144. The completion of the project is sometime between October and the end of the year.