Happy National Library Week (NLW)! This year’s theme is Welcome to Your Library and Campbell County Public Library (CCPL) and Wright Branch Library (WBL) are joining the national celebration of libraries April 4-10.
The American Library Association best describes the theme. “‘Welcome to Your Library,’ promotes the idea that libraries extend far beyond the four walls of a building – and that everyone is welcome to use their services. During the pandemic, libraries have been going above and beyond to adapt to our changing world by expanding their resources and continuing to meet the needs of their users. Whether people visit in person or virtually, libraries offer opportunities for everyone to explore new worlds and become their best selves through access to technology, multimedia content, and educational programs.”
2020 was a crazy year for us all. As a library staff, we always knew of our importance in our communities. The past year was especially eye-opening as we learned to adapt so we could continue to provide vital services for our patrons in Gillette and Wright. Though we were closed for a time, we tried our best to offer services in different ways to keep our community connected. We learned to be on-air talent during our virtual story programs. We learned to record and edit video to post those programs on social media. We learned how to host live virtual book discussions and author events that reached across the country. The term “curbside checkout” became second nature and we got really good at steering giant tubs of quarantined books around our libraries. We also got really good at phone support whether that meant helping parents-who-suddenly-became-teachers figure out how to access our databases, or helping new library card holders learn to check out books on their phones. 2020 taught us how to adapt and remain significant in our communities.
Our NLW celebration this year is packed with examples of how we’re still adapting as we offer events at your libraries in Gillette and Wright as well as virtual elements. CCPL and WBL are both hosting events at our libraries that include scavenger hunts; children’s story programs and visits from Rainbow Fish, the character from children’s author Marcus Pfister’s books; and events geared for teens. We’re also inviting adults to create bird feeders with Grab and Go Craft Kits (while supplies last); and submit photos for a Facebook photo challenge. In addition, CCPL is hosting The Library Foundation’s 10th annual Cupcake Wars (in-person for cupcake bakers only and virtual for cupcake creators), a tween LEGO building challenge and a take-home escape room, and a Campbell County Master Gardeners Seeds and Trees program. Families in Wright are invited to sign up for WBL’s Jackalope Colonies Family Breakout.
While CCPL and WBL have always welcomed our communities by providing “diverse cultural opportunities for reading, learning and entertainment to all citizens” (our library system mission statement), this year we are even more enthusiastic about celebrating all our libraries have to offer as we ease to a normal that includes COVID-19 safety.
Welcome to Your Library!