28 Mar HELP YOUR LIBRARY CELEBRATE NATIONAL LIBRARY WEEK APRIL 23-29

National Library Week highlights the value of libraries each year for one week—this year April 23-29. This year’s theme is “There’s More to the Story,” focusing on the multitude of things other than books that can be accessed through your local library—an incredible number of items, services, and activities.

Eastern Oklahoma Library System has 15 libraries in six counties, each providing services to thousands of community members in their area. Among the services EOLS libraries offer are adult literacy classes, GED classes, printing, notary services, faxing, and copying. Additionally, there are U.S. Citizenship classes and programs for English Language Learners.

Enrichment programs include story time for preschoolers, after school STEM activities for all ages, arts and crafts, music, games, lectures, and community engagement. Libraries also offer meeting spaces to the community at no cost.

Perhaps the most surprising for many, though, is our “Library of Things.” EOLS libraries have fishing poles, video games, sports equipment, exercise equipment, baking pans, ukuleles, and more. In order to find out what your local library has on offer, please call and ask what they have in their “Library of Things,” or visit the library.

Celebration Days During National Library Week

Monday, April 24: State of America’s Libraries Report released, including Top Ten Frequently Challenged Books of 2022.
Tuesday, April 25: National Library Workers Day, a day for library staff, users, administrators, and Friends groups to recognize the valuable contributions made by all library workers.
Wednesday, April 26: National Library Outreach Day (formerly National Bookmobile Day), a day to celebrate library outreach and the dedicated library professionals who are meeting their patrons where they are.
Thursday, April 27: Take Action for Libraries Day, a day to rally advocates to support libraries.

(Source: American Library Association, https://www.ala.org/conferencesevents/celebrationweeks/natlibraryweek)