National Library Week is here! From April 9-15, 2017, libraries across the country celebrate the transformative nature of today’s libraries and the changing role of libraries, librarians, and library workers. Join us in celebrating all that our libraries do for and with our San Mateo County community. You can:
- Participate in our “Passport to Your Library Adventure” program from April 1-15. Explore libraries and learn about the different types of programs, services, and resources that we offer by completing activities for a chance to win prizes. Contact your local library for more information
- Share your library stories with us using our online form
- Recognize the valuable contributions of library and bookmobile staff on Tuesday, April 11 for National Library Workers Day (#NLWD17) and Wednesday, April 12 for National Bookmobile Day (#NBD2017)
- Follow and contribute to the #NationalLibraryWeek and #librariestransform conversations on social media platforms – Facebook, opens a new window, Twitter, opens a new window, and Instagram, opens a new window
Libraries aren’t only a place of quiet study anymore, 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. Libraries of all types are evolving to meet the needs of the communities they serve and provide resources that the public at large depend upon. By providing such resources as eBooks 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. 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.
At San Mateo County Libraries, our vision is to ignite growth through transformative experiences. We are undertaking unprecedented efforts to transform our libraries into welcoming spaces that enable inspiring experiences, such as our CO.STARTERS small business development workshop program or future library makerspaces. From the Bookmobile to our Career Online High School, we are growing our mobile and online services to engage with patrons beyond our buildings and deliver services, materials, and programs in new ways that promote equitable access to all that our libraries have to offer. In addition, we've transformed how we provide Internet access by lending WiFi hotspots and laptops for our patrons to take home, the first program of its kind in California.
Furthermore, our librarians and other collaborators are transforming summers by providing access to the kinds of experiences and quality enrichments that all children should have access to in our summer camps, which include project-based, hands-on learning experiences, healthy meals, exciting field trips, and high-interest, high-quality books for the home. We are also transforming the foundation of early literacy by partnering with the LENA Research Foundation, opens a new window to develop Talk Read Sing, a research-based intervention targeted at parents of children under three to help bridge the word gap, ensure a language rich environment at home, and support children’s success in school and life in the long-term.
How will you join us in celebrating libraries transforming during National Library Week?
Add a comment to: Celebrate National Library Week