First observed in 1958, National Library Week is sponsored by the American Library Association and celebrated by libraries across the country each April. This year, it comes at a wonderfully-exciting time for the Aurora Public Library District (APLD). We are planning our new Bookmobile, renovating and reimagining our branches, and choosing a new library card design!
April 3-9 is National Library Week (NLW), a time to highlight the essential role libraries, librarians and library workers play in strengthening communities and helping our customers. It is especially important to the staff members who run our Bookmobile and Outreach Services Department , which is why everyone is so excited about the development of our new Bookmobile to be completed later this year. The number one thing staff members are looking forward to is having a dependable vehicle that will allow everyone to do the job more effectively.
Staff member Michael Pracht describes his excitement. “As a driver, I am really looking forward to learning about all the new functions and controls. I think it will be a totally different feeling from the handling, and even the riding aspect. Not to mention that new-car (Bookmobile) smell! I am also looking forward to seeing the reactions of the customers when they come on for the first time.” Until that time, the current Bookmobile is still rolling. We invite a visit Wednesday, April 6, to celebrate National Library Outreach Day for special events and giveaways.
Speaking of the Bookmobile, did you happen to see it parked at our West Branch? The West Branch is temporarily closed (March 30 – April 1) due to the installation of new carpeting, and we are happy to have the Bookmobile available to our customers during that time. These projects have been going on for the last couple of months and we can’t wait to fully reveal the West Branch’s new refreshed look! Next on the agenda is space planning for both Library branches, West Branch and Eola Road Branch. Look for community conversations happening later this year.
Engaging and connecting with our community is something the Library personnel strive for every day. This year’s National Library Week theme is “Connect with Your Library,” which promotes the idea that libraries are places to get connected to technology, new ideas, and each other. That’s why we chose this theme for our new Library card design contest. We were thrilled to see the number of entries received that incorporated the idea of “keeping connected.” Be sure to visit the library to see the submitted designs and cast your vote for our new card! Or visit www.aurorapubliclibrary.org/card contest to submit your vote online.
This National Library Week, show your appreciation and support for libraries by visiting us in person or online and following @APLibraryIL on social media. The Aurora Public Library District encourages all community members to stay connected to our services, programs, and collections. For more information, visit the library’s website at www.aurorapubliclibrary.org.
Andrea Tiberi is the communications coordinator for the Aurora Public Library District.