It's National Library Week! Read Something :)

Annually sponsored by the American Library Association, National Library Week (April 11-17) celebrates public and school libraries, not to mention the librarians who make it all possible.

This year’s theme is “Communities Thrive @ Your Library,” and in case you haven’t set foot in a library recently, this statement couldn’t be more true. Libraries aren’t just for books anymore! Many branches now feature access to computer programs and internet browsing as well as free classes and events for children and adults. These offerings keep communities in touch with what’s going on in the world and continue to instill the importance of libraries in younger generations of readers.

Even if you don’t fancy yourself a reader, many branches will let you check out DVDs and CDs. Those are your tax dollars at work! And if you still need convincing, just ask author Neil Gaiman, this year’s honorary chair for the event. In my humble opinion, Gaiman is responsible for some of the most original literature in the last two decades, so it’s pretty likely that there’s no better barometer for the valuable resources provided by libraries around the country.

So what can you do to celebrate National Library Week? It’s up to you… but why not pay a visit to your nearest branch? Whether you decide to check out an item or just wander past the shelves, take a few moments to remember how much libraries and librarians have done for you over the years, especially during school. As for me, I’m trying to pick out what I want to read next. My list isn’t getting any shorter! =)