By DiAnn Mills @DiAnnMills
Join me in celebrating February as National Library Lover’s Month. Our libraries offer a variety of media to improve, educate, and entertain their patrons, and the best part is libraries are free. These sources of information create community and encourage social interaction with those whom they serve.
Types of Media
Our libraries began as a collection of books, a wealth of valued reading to share and enjoy for private individuals and later for the public. Today’s libraries continue the vision by offering books and e-books for all ages in various print and digital formats. We find films, music, newspapers, periodicals, maps, art, historical documents, and some have taken on a museum-like atmosphere.
Types of Libraries
Most of us are familiar with public and school libraries. Other types are focused on particular patrons: 1) academic libraries located at colleges and universities and 2) specialized libraries for unique business, military, medical, service, and science facilities.
How can we show appreciation for our libraries?
- The best way to show appreciation is a simple “Thank you.
- Encourage people of all ages to explore their public and school libraries not only for the media resources but also for the many ways the library builds a stronger community.
- Financial support.
- Donate supplies.
- Offer to lead a group, instruct a class, or teach a skill.
- Join in a local Friends of the Library Program.
- Participate in library celebrations.
- Take a librarian to lunch.
In the past, I was a church librarian. I understand the dilemma of raising awareness, adding patrons, encouraging members, and meeting their needs.
Librarians have a special place in my heart. To show appreciation, I have created a librarian pinterest board and a monthly e-newsletter with tips, suggestions, and ideas to assist in building their libraries. If you’re interested in receiving this newsletter, you can subscribe by, clicking here.
Do you regularly visit your library? What was one of your favorite experiences?
Comments 6
Our library has a vast collection of audio books. I have always felt that I do no read enough, especially since I’m an author and need to keep informed about the industry trends. I also feel that I need a solid knowledge of literature as a whole. As I go about my daily chores, drive around town, or wait in line, I listen, especially to the works that I would have never had the courage to read – such as the Russian classics – for the size of their novels is downright intimidating. But I also listen to suspense, how-to, biographies…you name it, they got it. Check out your local library’s offering in the audio section! You might find a treasure or two.
Helena, thank you so much. Your reading/listening habits are an inspiration to us all.
I may have shared this before, but anyway I will again. I love libraries. I recall in Jamaica, my birth country, children’s eagerness to Join the library. “Please, may I join the library?” was a step of importance, in our education, and our lives lives, overall.
I often express my thanks to librarians for all they do
Frances, thank you. I believe libraries are the grass roots of a society. They are our past, present, and hope for the future.
I have loved libraries since I learned to read. My mother read to me as a little child and she instilled a love of books early. I’ve spent time in small libraries and huge libraries. I was an assistant librarian when I was 15. I worked to let the regular librarian have an extra day off. I was thrilled and a little scared. I think I should have taken library science instead of music sometimes. I’m now an assistant librarian in my home church now. Perks are great, I get first or second chance at the new books that come in. I find comfort in having books around me.
Thanks, Connie, libraries were and are my exploration place. Years ago, I volunteered as a church librarian. My job was to process new books. That meant I was able to read them before they were shelved!