National Library Week: 8 Ways to Help Libraries Lead

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It’s National Library Week! I’m so excited! First things first, National Library week is April 8th- 14th, with the theme: Libraries Lead. If you follow me on social media, you already know I am always at the library or posting photos of my latest library finds.

National Libraries Week

8 Ways to Help Libraries Lead:

  1. Visit your local library: Really visit. Don’t just drive past it or drive around the parking lot. Get down, enjoy the space and learn something new.
  2. Get a library card: the common misconception about libraries is they only house books. This is false. It is true that libraries are home to books, however there are other items available for check out with your library card. For example: DVDs, CDs, Laptops, Tablets, and so much more. Ask your Circulation Staff for assistance with check out procedures. 
  3. Go to a library program: The Children’s Departments at most libraries have a very active schedule, which include Arts & Crafts, Toddler Times (helps toddlers with Fine & Gross motor skills), Movie nights, weekly, monthly and holiday activities. Some libraries will even host events on weekends! For example, the Pharr Memorial Library hosts Sunday Stream: this program is geared towards a STEM activity that allows the children to think outside the box. If you have teens in your home, the library still has you covered. For example: McAllen Public Library has a fun activity coming up just in time for National Library Week, “Book Shelfie Day.” This event allows teens to go to the library, take a selfie with their favorite books and post it to social media with the hashtag #MPLTeens. Libraries are always on top of trends. Check with your local library’s Children’s Department and ask what programs or services they provide.
  4. Adult Programs and Services: Libraries offer the usual services: books, movies, computers, printing, faxing, coping, scanning and all that good stuff. Aside from that, if not all then most libraries offer some sort of Adult Programs. Some of the programs offered at the libraries include: Book Clubs (which are actually quiet fun), Arts & Crafts, Movie Days, and more. Feel free to ask your local library for any Adult Programs they offer. 
  5. Donate to your local library: If you have the generosity in your heart, you can always make a monetary donation. Can’t make a monetary donation? Libraries do accept books (not textbooks) in New or Good condition. Always be sure to ask first if they are accepting book donations prior to dropping them off. These books will usually be sold at their Friends of the Library Bookstore. The money they make off of these books goes into program funds or scholarship funds.
  6. Volunteer: If you have nothing else to give, you can always give your time. Libraries are always looking for volunteers, especially during the summer months.
  7. Read a Banned Book: Yes! You read that right! Banned Books are a thing! You will be surprised to know which books made the list and why. Feeling dangerous? Click this link to see which books made the list: Banned Books List 
  8. Follow them on Social Media: Libraries are not left in the dark, they keep up with the ever-changing times. Follow your local library on social media to see what is coming up next, if any programs have been added, if there are closures, or just to see what is going on at your local library.

I hope you use this list to help your local library lead!

 

 

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