Ready, Set, Library! That’s the theme for National Library Week which takes place April 7-13 this year.
Libraries open adventures and unlock opportunities for the people of their communities every day. They connect communities and enrich lives in ways that have nothing to do with books and magazines. Visit the White County Library and you may find unexpected and beautiful things that will fill voids, create new friendships, broaden horizons, and challenge you into growing.
From book groups to craft books to friend groups, from children’s programs to teen groups, from literal literacy to computer literacy programs, you can find it all at the library. White County Public Library has so much more to offer than just books – although those are important, too!
Visitors can use computers, print documents, use public Wi-Fi, conduct research, make private and secure phone calls, look up family genealogy or community history. Other services include passport application preparation and notary services. The meeting room is used by a variety of community groups that are always ready to welcome new friends who want to learn to quilt or craft or cook or garden or share a love of reading.
And, of course, there are books, thousands and thousands of books. Whether you are looking to solve a mystery, go on an adventure, have a new romance, live in the future, enjoy a fantasy, or learn about the past – White County Public Library has a shelf full of books reserved just for you.
Visiting the library can definitely be a family affair. According to Cathy Farley, head librarian at White County Public Library, sharing that love for words and books with children is one of the best gifts a parent can give.
“The single largest predictor of success for children is being read to by an adult,” Farley said. “Children who are read to as preschoolers have larger vocabularies, more comprehension of subject matter, and retention. The benefits of reading to a child are far-reaching and so easy to achieve.”
Farley said that as well as reading aloud to children, parents should spend time modeling healthy reading habits.
“When children see parents reading, they mimic that behavior,” she explained, saying that children want to be like their parents and will most often copy the behaviors they see from their parents. “As a parent, you do not have to red large classic books, even a magazine will work, but it is important for your child to see you reading.”
Even with the availability of alternatives, like eBooks and audiobooks, libraries and physical books with pages full of words and pictures that entertain, inform, and captivate their audience of one, libraries continue to be an important part of schools and communities.
Not only do they provide the traditional quiet spaces for studying, researching, and exploring other lands - both real and fictional - community libraries have transformed into a hub where people gather to gain knowledge, participate in hands-on learning programs, and friendly places where people gather for storytelling and socializing.
The resurging popularity of libraries may stem from their ability to adapt to the needs of their communities and their ability to offer free programs in a time when all other costs of living – and entertainment – are rising.
“Reading is not an activity that costs a lot of money,” Farley said. “Your public library carries everything you need to raise successful readers and readily offers it to you free of charge. Programs like the Imagination Library, Tennessee READS, and others are accessed through your library. If you need help or resources, just contact the library, and we will be glad to assist you.”
Along with Library Week, the American Library Association has created special themes for several days:
So, this National Library Week, get ready to explore, become inspired, and connect with your library!
Comments
No comments on this item Please log in to comment by clicking here