National Library Week observance spotlights Franklin County facility's resources

National Library Week will be observed Sunday, April 3 through Saturday, April 9 in Franklin County and across the country to highlight the essential role libraries and their staff play in transforming lives and strengthening communities.

The Franklin County Public Library’s Susan Adams said the theme for this year’s recognition is “Connect with Your Library,” which promotes the idea that these facilities are places to get connected to technology and other resources.

“Libraries offer opportunities to connect with various forms of media, programs, ideas and classes, in addition to books,” Adams said. “Most importantly, libraries connect communities to each other.”

During the week, FCPL encourages all community members to visit in person or online to explore and access the facility’s wealth of services and programs.

As part of the event, the Friends of the Franklin County Public Library will hold its annual book sale with proceeds funding future programs and projects at the library on First Street in Meadville.

FCPL offers programs and resources that are available in person or from home, including Magnolia databases, genealogical resources and e-books.

“Libraries continue to go above and beyond to keep their communities connected by expanding resources and embracing inclusion in their programming, resources and collections,” Adams continued.

“Libraries here and across the country are making a difference in people’s lives by providing electronic learning resources like online homework help and Wi-Fi access for students and workers who might lack Internet access at home.”

Adams noted FCPL is supporting the local community with various services such as free access to Wi-Fi, e-books, computer and printer access, event space, a learning-training lab and children’s programs.

“One way FCPL and the Lincoln-Lawrence-Franklin Regional Library System is connecting to our community is by closing the homework gap by providing laptops to eligible patron who declare they do not otherwise have access to the equipment or services sufficient to access the Internet,” Adams went on to say.

The library has received funding from the Federal Communication Commission’s Emergency Connectivity Fund, a $7.17 billion program that will help schools and libraries provide the tools and services their communities need for remote learning.

“ECF will help provide relief to millions of students, school staff and library patrons and will help close the homework gap for students who currently lack necessary Internet access or the devices they need to connect to classrooms,” she continued.

Other programs and outreach efforts are being offered through the library during April and beyond including:

• Free art kits, which include a small canvas, paint and brushes, will be distributed starting April 1 (while supplies last) with completed art being returned to the library by April 30 for public display in May.

• Craft Day for Kids will be held Saturday, April 2 and is held the first Saturday of each month.

• The Branching Out Genealogy Group will meet at 10:30 a.m, Monday, April 11 at the library.

• The library has started a book club gathering, which meets at 10:30 a.m., on the fourth Thursday of each month, for participants to visit and talk about the books they have read.

• A LEGO Club — for area youth ages 6 and up — meets from 10 a.m. to noon on the last Saturday of each month. The library will provide the LEGOs and building boards.

Adams said the public can best show its appreciation and support for libraries during National Library Week by visiting their libraries in person or online, following them on social media and using the hashtag “#NationalLibraryWeek.”

First held in 1958, National Library Week is a national observance sponsored by the American Library Association and libraries across the country each April.

For more information, visit FCPL’s website at www.llf.lib.ms.us or call 601-384-2997.