National Library Week

For the longest time, I could not find my library card. It was one of the first things that I, like a lot of kids, got to officially use my signature on. (Honestly, I don’t think my signature has changed that much since then.) However, now that I was home from college, I could not find it. Was it buried somewhere in my closet? Maybe it was in one of the old shoeboxes under my bed, buried within stacks and stacks of football cards? Whatever the case, it was missing. I had used it so many times as a kid that I had to tape up the numerous cracks just to keep it from falling apart in my wallet. Maybe that alone was a sign that I needed a new one.

Did you know this week is National Library Week? Since 1958, National Library Week has been held each year in April in recognition of the tremendous impact libraries have on so many communities. This year, from April 9–15, 2017, libraries will once again be recognized for their importance and numerous activities will be held at libraries across the country in celebration.

Libraries Transform

This year’s theme is “Libraries Transform”. They transform lives, communities, and provide a learning space for all. They are truly magical places. Not only do libraries provide a wealth of books, but they have audiobooks, music CDs, internet access, movies, and much, much more. One of the treasures at my library in Wisconsin Rapids, WI, is the massive archive of historical photos and documents about the city itself!

Celebrating our local libraries

In recognition of libraries everywhere, we asked a couple of our quiz writers about their local libraries, what they’re reading, and if they’re doing anything to celebrate the occasion.

“I live in a rural area in central Wisconsin, and I regularly visit the libraries in the small towns 10 miles to the southeast and 10 miles to the west. They often have what I need, and when they don’t, I have the interlibrary loan system that gives me access to many, many books! I almost always have at least one book checked out from the local library or through the interlibrary system. I check out nonfiction titles on things I want to learn more about. Right now, I am also reading Alice Hoffman’s The Marriage of Opposites for a book club I sometimes participate in.” – Eileen

“I visit my library about once a month. It’s a lovely, cozy place filled with books. What’s not to like? For fun, I’m currently reading three books—The Rivalry: Bill Russell, Wilt Chamberlain, and the Golden Age of Basketball; I Want My MTV: The Uncensored Story of the Music Video Revolution; and Bob Marley: The Stories Behind Every Song. For National Library Week, I’d recommend reading Water for Elephants by Sara Gruen or Steinbeck’s The Grapes of Wrath.” – Barb

Now it’s your turn. What are you doing for National Library Week? (+ free bookmarks!)

How are you celebrating National Library Week with your students? Are you going to make an extra trip to your school’s library this week? Do you remember getting your first library card? Let us know in the comments!