STORY BY KAREN BOSSICK

PHOTO BY KIRSTEN SHULTZ

You could win a visit to the historic Ernest and Mary Hemingway House for taking the 20-minute Reading Challenge and Raffle.

The Community Library is celebrating National Library Week today through Saturday, April 13, with a handful of free events designed to celebrate libraries, library workers, library patrons, the love of books and the freedom to read whatever one chooses.

The events include the opportunity to read 20 minutes a day each day except Friday, when staff is on a retreat, in exchange for a raffle ticket for a drawing. The drawing will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday at the Main Circulation Desk. Prizes include four $25 gift cards to the Gold Mine Thrift, a water bottle, wine tumbler, “One True Sentence” Hemingway journal and, of course, a visit to the Hemingway House for up to four people.

Entrants need not be present to win, but those who are there will be treated to a cookie, a cup of tea and bubbly water.

“Launched in 1958, National Library Week recognizes libraries and librarians for their contributions to our society,” said Pam Parker, director of Library Operations. “The Community Library honors this tradition and supports the concept that ‘Free People Read Freely’ then and now.”

No registration is needed for the free activities:

Monday, April 8 is Right to Read Day – a National Day of Action in support of the right to read

Story Time and Craft Time in the Children’s Library, 10:30-11:00 a.m. Story time in the Tree House will be followed by a craft in the Children’s Library. This week the theme is “Libraries!” Story Time is best suited for preschool age children. Kids, tweens, and teens can also post what they love about the Library on the big bulletin board in the Children’s Library.

Share Your Story Video Recordings from 1-5 p.m. in the Library Foyer. Record your first name and the book you’re celebrating and why. Note: All those who wish to participate must sign a release form. Those under 18 must have a parent’s/guardian’s signature. Cookies, tea and bubbly water will be served.

20-Minute Reading Challenge & Raffle. Enter once a day and each time you’ll get a raffle ticket for the drawing on Saturday, April 13.

Foyer Slide Show & Book Recommendations through Saturday. Cruise through 66 years of National Library Week featuring vintage posters and banned and challenged books from corresponding years. Find a wide variety of book recommendations on display in all genres from Library staff

Saturday, April 13—20-Minute Reading Challenge drawing at Main Circulation desk, accompanied by cookies, tea and bubbly water.