"A library is not a luxury but one of the necessities of life." – Henry Ward Beecher
Bookworms unite.
February is Library Lovers' Month, a month-long celebration recognizing school, public, and private libraries in your community. You don't really need to be a bookworm to love libraries. These days, many patrons enjoy using other modern library materials such as DVDs, computers, wi-fi, online newspapers and periodicals, and audio tapes. Not to mention the quiet study haven a library can provide to online students!
February is the perfect time of year to stop into your local library and check out free materials. What's more, by visiting your local library, you can tell your librarians how much you appreciate their services (like giving advice on sourcing and locating that hard-to-find book) and thanking them for the wide selection of reading and research materials (including interlibrary loans and new releases).
Do more for your library. Here are nine ways to celebrate Library Lovers' Month:
- Make a reading list for the year and start checking out books off your list.
- Send a letter to your local librarians thanking them for their service.
- Take a librarian to lunch or give them all some baked or sweet treats.
- Create or join a “Friends of the Library” group in your community.
- Suggest a book sale or book exchange at your library, or donate your gently used books.
- Put on a fundraiser for your library. Consider hosting the event in the library itself.
- Show support for your library and literacy with banners, posters, buttons, cards, stickers, and clothing items.
- Suggest digital improvements to your library e-books, e-readers, tablets, streaming videos, video games, and so forth.
- Promote reading to your neighbors, community, fellow students, and family members. Give book suggestions. Visit story time. Get library cards for your whole family.
Libraries have always been a vital resource. With the digital era, many states have unfortunately begun to cut funding for libraries and their services. More and more, students and families are turning to the Internet to find free and convenient sources for knowledge and entertainment. Books and data are also becoming digital, creating less need for physical archives.
While libraries in the 21st century may change over time, the need for information and those who find it will always exist. No matter if you visit a bookshelf or a search engine, the written word is vital to humanity. Physical library buildings aren't leaving anytime soon though (thank goodness), so take time this February to appreciate their value and celebrate Library Lovers Month!
What do you check out most at your local library?