National Library Week 2016!
Transform your ideas about the library: Celebrate National Library Week April 10 - 16
This week, the Athol Public Library joins libraries in schools, on campuses and in communities nationwide in celebrating the dynamic changes that are happening in today’s libraries. April 10-16 is National Library Week, a time to highlight the changing role of libraries, librarians and library workers.
Libraries today are more about what they do, for and with our community as opposed to what they have for patrons. Libraries aren’t only a place of quiet study, but also creative and engaging community centers where people can collaborate, learn how to cook, garden, sew, knit, write, or just relax. Our library offers access to a variety of print and digital resources, including ebooks, the Digital Commonwealth, Massachusetts History Online, Science in Context, and more, all of which can be accessed in person or online with your library card.
Libraries of all types are evolving to meet the needs of the communities they serve. At the Athol Library, we are transforming by strengthening our community through baby and toddler family story times, activities for teens, writing groups, and book groups.
“Service to the community is the focus of the library,” said Director Jean Shaughnessy. “Libraries level the playing field for people of any age who are seeking information and access to technologies that will improve their quality of life.”
Libraries are many things to many people. They work with elected officials, small business owners, students and the public at large to discover and address the needs of their communities. Whether through offering e-books and computer tutoring, materials for English-language learners, or offering a safe haven in times of crisis, libraries and librarians listen to the community they serve, and they respond.
The Athol Library is celebrating National Library Week with many wonderful programs: On Monday, LEGO Club; Tuesday, Teen Minecraft Club and Mystery Book Discussion; Wednesday, Preschool Story Time, the Knit-Wits, Mug Microwaving, and an Organ Donation Month program; Thursday, Baby Time and Toddler Time, and Teen Chess Club; and Friday, 3rd and 4th grade Minecraft Club. Also on Friday morning, the Friends of the Athol Public Library will be offering free coffee as a thank you to our patrons. Everyone who visits the library during this time will be given an opportunity to participate in a survey, the results of which will help library staff plan programs and services over the next 5 – 8 years. Patrons will also be asked to tell us how using libraries has transformed their lives for the better. One lucky participant will win a prize!
The action continues into the following week with a big used book sale on Tuesday, April 19th. The Athol Public Library will also go fine free for all library materials returned from April 11th through April 15th! Books, movies, magazines, everything!
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.
For more information, visit the Athol Public Library at 568 Main Street, call 978-249-9515, or see the library’s web site at www.athollibrary.org. Library hours are M, W, Th, & F 9:30 – 5:30 and Tu 9:30 – 8:00
