National Library Lover’s Month celebrated in February

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February is National Library Lover’s Month and is dedicated to the people who love whole buildings devoted to reading, escaping to other times and lands, researching intriguing histories, organizing thoughts, filling their minds with boundless knowledge, finding hidden gems of thought-provoking poetry and intellectual writings, and otherwise loving all things books.

While libraries provide a place to enjoy great novels or discover amazing adventures, to dream about fantasy lands and faraway places, to find supporting views or opposing opinions, they do so much more. From pre-school activities to meeting spaces for classes and public education opportunities, from providing public access to technology to a private quiet booth for conducting virtual meetings, from summer reading programs to community contests, from housing historical papers to displaying local artwork, from book lending to digital downloads, the White County Public Library, located at 11 N. Church St., in Sparta, is a hub of activity all centered around supporting the community and providing access to free services that will fill social, academic, and recreational needs for patrons of all ages and bridge generational gaps in the community.

“This is where we see our friends,” the women of White County’s Knit and Stitch Club, which uses the library’s meeting room to gather once a month so that its members can socialize while working on their individual projects, collectively agreed.

For Nicky Ballew, access to technology is one of the things that draws him to the library.

“I get to use the internet,” he said, referring to both the free Wi-Fi the library offers to visitors as well as computers that are available for on-site use to patrons.

White County Public Library isn’t just for adults. With a great summer reading program designed to keep kids and teens engaged in reading, learning, and creative thinking while they are out of school, as well as ongoing Story Time, STEM Programs, and Teen Reading Programs, the staff aims to be sure there is something for everyone at the library.

In fact, Sylvia Jones and her brother, Atlas, are some of the library’s youngest patrons.

“I love books and coming to Story Time,” Sylvia said.

On top of meeting spaces, technology, access, and special programs offered, it is the staff that is the true gem that will be found at White County Public Library.

“I love the library staff,” Jonelda Hutson, one of the regular patrons who visits the library, said. “They are always so pleasant and helpful.”

Another of the patrons, Cheryl Reed, commented on the fun and informative videos that the staff has been filling the library’s social media feeds with.

“This group makes our library always a happy place,” and then commented on a recent post. “Great video!”

To observe National Library Lover’s Month, the American Library Association suggests that you not only continue – or start – enjoying all of the programs and activities offered at local libraries but consider volunteering as well. And, of course, getting that library card – it’s a free ticket to endless opportunities.       

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