By Laura Katauskas | Bugle Staff
sweditor@buglenewspapers.com
@BugleNewspapers
Walter Cronkite once said that no matter the cost of libraries, “the price is cheap compared to that of an ignorant nation.”
It is that ideology that still shapes the theme for National Library Week, of which Fountaindale Public Library will be hosting from April 10 through April 16 with a variety of special events, programs, contests and more celebrating how “libraries transform.”
In the mid-1950s, according to the American Library Association, concerned that Americans were reading less and spending more time on music and television, a committee was formed with ambitious goals ranging from “encouraging people to read in their increasing leisure time” to “improving incomes and health” and “developing strong and happy family life.”
In 1957, the committee developed a plan for National Library Week based on the idea that once people were motivated to read, they would support and use libraries. With the cooperation of ALA and with help from the Advertising Council, the first National Library Week was observed in 1958 with the theme “Wake Up and Read!”
The idea stuck and National Library Week has been held the second week of April ever since.
It is said to be a time to celebrate the contributions of our nation’s libraries and librarians and to promote library use and support.
“Fountaindale Public Library encourages you to use the library to transform yourself and your family every day of the year. Whether you learn new design skills in Studio 300, bring your children to an unforgettable storytime, research a company, learn a new language, or complete a home improvement project using their online resources, or simply find your next favorite book or eBook, the opportunities for you to grow and thrive at your library are endless,” say library district officials.
Fountaindale wants to hear how the library has helped transform patrons. If library materials and services have helped you learn a new skill, pick up a hobby or achieve a personal goal, make it known. Share a photo and description of your transformation on Twitter, Instagram or the library’s Facebook wall using #FPLDtransform, or enter using your email address at fountaindale.org/NationalLibraryWeek for a chance to win a $50 Barnes & Noble gift card. All entries must be received between midnight on Sunday, April 10 and 11:59 p.m. Saturday, April 16 to be entered to win.
You also can help transform the life of someone in need by donating unexpired, non-perishable food items during Food for Fines, an annual National Library Week tradition. Visit the first floor Circulation Desk with your overdue or billed items and for each item you donate, Fountaindale will remove $2 in fines (up to $20) from your library account. All items will be donated to the DuPage Township Food Pantry.
“Last year, our Food for Fines initiative collected 2,660 food items for people in need,” said Melissa Bradley, Communications Manager. “This year we hope to collect even more and help our patrons clear up some old fines and get back into the library in the process.”
As a complimentary gift to library patrons who show their library card, Fountaindale also is giving away free library card holders. Stop by the Bookmobile or first floor circulation or information desks to receive yours while supplies last.
A variety of programs will be held throughout the week including National Bookmobile Day Monday, a Simple Spring Meals cooking class Thursday, a showing of The Peanuts Movie Saturday and much more. Visit fountaindale.org for a full list of our programs and events.