NATIONAL LIBRARY WEEK April 13-19

Nancy Pearl, world renown librarian immortalized with her very own action-figure, is pictured to the left to announce that today, April 13, is the start of NATIONAL LIBRARY WEEK.

The American Library Association's website provides a brief history and explanation of this special week promoting libraries:

What 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. It is a time to celebrate the contributions of our nation's libraries and librarians and to promote library use and support. All types of libraries - school, public, academic and special - participate.

The entire month of April is School Library Media Month. I know I'll be celebrating with school students in the St. Alban's School Library on Wednesday when I spend time with two first grade classes and their extremely well-organized and energetic librarian, Christy Bobbit.

How do you plan to celebrate libraries this week? Here are some suggestions:

• Check out a library book--or two or three or more


• Say an enthusiastic "THANK YOU!" to your librarian


• Send your favorite library (librarians) a "Just Because You're Special Card"


• Donate time or money to your favorite library


• Attend a library story time with your children


• Soak up the zen when you stop by your favorite library for some quiet reading time