BY KAREN BOSSICK
Celebrate National Library Week with “I Love My Library” Events for all ages.
Both The Community Library in Ketchum and the Hailey Public Library are hosting drop-in events to celebrate libraries, library workers, the love of books and the freedom to read whatever one chooses.
National Library Week was launched in 1958.
“Libraries are considered pillars of free speech within democratic societies,” said Pam Parker, director of Library Operations at The Community Library. “We honor this tradition and celebrate our intellectual freedoms annually under the banner of ‘Read Fearlessly’ throughout the ‘I Love My Library’ campaign.”
AT THE COMMUNITY LIBRARY:
Patrons can enjoy cookies by the fireplace from 2:30 to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Thursday, April 20-23. While there, avail yourself of an “I Love My Library postcard and pen.
A n exhibit in the foyer will feature a colorful collection of annual posters that have been issued for National Library Week since 1958.
Attendees at any of the events will be given a raffle ticket for the National Library Week drawing to be held at 4:30 p.m. Thursday, April 23. Raffle prizes include Gold Mine Thrift store gift cards, “Free People Read Freely” and “I Love My Library” canvas book bags and signed copies of “That Librarian: The Fight Against Book Banning in America” by Amanda Jones.
Monday, April 20—Intellectual Freedom Meet & Greet and Kids’ Bookmark Making
Librarians will answer questions about the library’s mission and hand out fun bookmarks, postcards and other “Read Fearlessly” swag in the foyer. In the Children’s Library kids can make their own bookmarks to mark their place as they “Read Fearlessly.”
Tuesday, April 21—Library/Archive Tours and Kids’ Poster Making
Tours start at 2:30 and 4:30 p.m. for those who would like to learn about the Library’s operations, special collections and archival spaces on Library Worker’s Day. The Community Library Association includes The Community Library in Ketchum, The Jeanne Rodger Lane Center for Regional History, the Wood River Museum of History + Culture, and the Historic Ernest and Mary Hemingway House & Preserve.
Kids will be invited to make posters showcasing the reasons they love their library throughout the day.
Wednesday, April 22—“Touch Grass” and Tour the Bookmobile
Librarians will head outside to the Donaldson Robb Family Lawn on the west side of the Library to get in touch with nature for the afternoon. The Community Library’s year-old Bookmobile will be parked outside for patrons to explore. And The Library will hand out wildflower seeds in celebration of Earth Day.
Thursday, April 23: Digital Daze and Button Making
Reference Librarian Buffy McDonald and Collections Manager Aly Wepplo will offer tips for using The Library’s digital and online services in the Learning Commons. In the Children’s Library there will be a button making event for kids to color and press a button that celebrates books and reading.
AT THE HAILEY PUBLIC LIBRARY
Monday, April 20—Right to Read Day.
Patrons are invited to peruse the banned book display, which will be up all week.
Wednesday, April 22—Library Volunteer Appreciation Day.
Volunteers will be invited to a coffee and donuts appreciation gathering.
Thursday, April 23—Take Action for Libraries Day
Patrons are invited to post their favorite library picture with the hashtag #LibraryJoy and stop by the library to snap a selfie at the #LibraryJoy station.
Friday, April 24—Hailey Public Library Spirit Day
Wear the Hailey Public Library colors of orange, green and blue and check out the Library’s display about history in the Hailey and Wood River Valley.