Celebrate National Library Week April 24 - 29
04/01/23
First sponsored in 1958, National Library Week (April 23-29) is annual celebration highlighting the valuable role libraries, librarians, and library workers play in transforming lives and strengthening our communities. The theme for National Library Week 2023 is “There's More to the Story.” Most people know about the wealth of stories available at the library, from picture books and large print to audiobooks and ebooks. But there's so much more to the story of libraries.
If you haven't checked out Summit County Library lately, you're missing the full story. Stop by for a visit to celebrate with them during National Library Week, April 23-29. Follow @SummitCountyLibraries and share the fun with the hashtag #NationalLibraryWeek
A little history…
When National Library Week began over 60 years ago, research showed that Americans were spending more money on radios, televisions, and musical instruments than books. Thus, National Library Week was founded on the belief that as people read more, they would support and use libraries more.
Though the methods, technology, and role of libraries have changed in the past 60 years, our universal goals of building lifelong readers, creating inclusive learning environments, protecting intellectual freedom and privacy, serving a diverse public, and connecting community through engaging programs remain steadfast.
Ways to Celebrate with Summit County Library during April 24-29
1) Visit the Library
Whether you're visiting in person or virtually, libraries offer the opportunity to connect with new worlds through access to technology, entertainment, and educational programs. Take time to connect with your library staff during National Library Week to learn all they have to offer. Be sure to check our events calendar and large selection of Stream and Download resources!
2) Free Replacement Cards 
Have you lost your library card or is your current card looking ragged? Come in during National Library Week (April 24 - 29) to have it replaced for free!
3) Participate in the Read to Raise the Roof Fundraiser
We are excited to announce our upcoming read-a-thon, to help raise money for the Owl's Nest children's programming area at the new North Branch Library! We're challenging our community to read and raise $5,000 from April 15 - 29. Participating is simple. Log into your Summit County Beanstack account at https://summitcountylibraries.beanstack.org/ on the Beanstack mobile app and register. On April 15, share your donation page with your family, friends, and social networks, log all your reading, and consider making a donation yourself! Any donations made through your donation page will help you earn badges and rewards and help us reach our goal.
4) Join us in dressing up for a Spirit Week
If you know our library staff, you know they love a good costume! If you think our outfits are looking a little strange this week, it's just a chance for us to celebrate a week of library fun. We encourage you to join in!
5) The North Branch Story Q&A Coffee with the Library Director @ Bluebird Market
It gives us great pleasure to invite you to meet Library Director, Stephanie Ralph. Ask questions about the new North Branch Library construction project see building plans, and learn about some of our new initiatives. Coffee and cookies will be served:
Thursday, April 27 @ 10am
Bluebird Market, 2nd floor
6) Library Themed Storytimes
Preschool storytime happens weekly at 10:30am! This week they will be all about the library so we invite you to join us Tuesdays @ South Branch, Breck or Wednesdays at @ Main Library, Frisco or Bluebird Market, Silverthorne for stories, songs, crafts and more! Storytime teaches children important preliteracy skills when we read, sing, talk, and play together. Even something as seemingly simple as how pages turn and how we read from left to right, children learn from observations they make about their world.
7) Stuffed Animal Sleepover at South Branch
Have you ever wondered what your stuffed animals do when you go to sleep? Now you can find out! Your stuffies will have so much fun celebrating National Library Week with Miss G. and our teen librarians! Come by the circ desk at South Branch, April 24 – 27 to sign up. Then, come back on Saturday, April 29, to pick up a photo album full of library shenanigans along with your stuffed animal. Ages: Babies – Kindergarten. See a past Stuffed Animal sleepover here. Drop off: Friday, April 28th between 9am - 5pm
8) Cookie Decorating at South Branch
Adults and young-adults 16+ are welcome for a night of socializing and learning new cookie-decorating skills!
9) Spring Aromatherapy Workshop
Come learn about essential oils their medicinal properties and how to safely use them. We will be making: Headache Relief Balm, Roller Blends, Body/Room Sprays Registration is required as materials are limited.