Spring is one of my favorite times of the year. The weather is warming up, but it’s not scorching hot. The birds are chirping early in the morning. And the best part? April is School Library Month and National Library Week is April 4-10.
As someone who has worked in libraries since they were a teenager, I love using this time to let my fellow librarians know how much I appreciate them.
Libraries are one of the most important places in a community. Even now, during these uncertain times, it is possible to show your local library how much you appreciate it.
Here are just a few ways to love your library this April.
Get a library card
National Library Week is the perfect time to get signed up for a library card if you don’t have one already. This card gives you access to thousands of books, audiobooks, movies, tv shows, and digital content all for free. If you already have a library card, that’s great! You could also sign up your kids for their own library card if you choose to.
Do something special for the librarian at your child’s school
School librarians are just as important as public ones and they need some love too! Chances are, your child has used the school library to check out books, get help with research, or even print out papers for class. Showing your appreciation can be as simple as sending an email or video message from your child saying how much they love their school library. It doesn’t have to be much, but school librarians everywhere would appreciate the gesture.
Share about your library on social media
Chances are your library system has social media accounts on Instagram, Facebook, or Twitter. Even though libraries may be physically closed or have limited indoor browsing, the staff is trying to actively engage with their community online. Show them your support by following library social media pages, giving them a shoutout on your own social media, or just commenting on a post about how much you love your library. Supporting your library may look different right now, but they will appreciate any effort our community makes.
Watch a virtual library program
Currently, libraries are getting creative with how they engage their community. One way is virtual storytime. Several library systems, including Lexington County, are sharing virtual storytimes for kids on their social media pages. Even though you can’t take your kids to the library, there are still ways to enjoy storytime at home.
Albert Einstein said “the only thing you absolutely have to know, is the location of the library” and I couldn’t agree more.
