Charleston, W. VA. – April 9th through the 15th is National Library Week, a time to highlight the changing role of libraries, librarians and library workers.
Libraries aren’t only a place of quiet study, but also creative and engaging community centers where people can collaborate using new technologies, learn how to use a 3D printer or even record their own music.
The West Virginia Library Commission joins libraries across the state, campuses and communities nationwide in celebrating the many ways libraries are transforming their communities every day through the services and invaluable expertise they offer.
Libraries of all types are evolving to meet the needs of the communities they serve. Elected officials, small business owners, students and the public at large depend upon libraries and the resources they offer to address the needs of their communities. By providing such resources as e-books and technology classes, materials for English-language learners, programs for job seekers or a safe haven in times of crisis, libraries and librarians transform their communities.
West Virginia public libraries are transforming their communities with programs such as summer reading for young students, book discussion groups, and by offering volunteer tax assistance during tax season. The WVLC does its part with innovative projects such as SELF-e for authors, a program that supports local writers by making their eBooks available to more readers, and by partnering with Books-A-Million to raise money for libraries ravaged by last June’s devastating floods.
“Libraries embrace the entire community, offering unlimited opportunities for personal growth and lifelong learning,” said Karen Goff, Executive Secretary of the WVLC. “Our libraries help West Virginians learn new skills by providing access to the information and technologies that will improve their quality of life.”
Libraries also offer something unique to their communities, the expertise of individual librarians. Librarians assist patrons in using increasingly complex technology and sorting through the potentially overwhelming mass of information bombarding today’s digital society. This is especially crucial when access to reliable and trustworthy data is more important than ever.
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. It is designed to recognize the contributions of our nation’s libraries and librarians and to promote library use and support.
West Virginia Library Commission encourages lifelong learning, individual empowerment, civic engagement and an enriched quality of life by enhancing library and information services for all West Virginians. WVLC is an agency of the Office of the Secretary of Education and the Arts.
To learn more about the WVLC, please visit www.librarycommission.wv.gov or call us at 304-558-2041.
