[3/30/17] Moncks Corner, SC – The American Library Association’s National Library Week, with the theme of “Libraries Transform,” celebrates the importance of libraries and librarians across the nation.

The Berkeley County Library System (BCLS) is gearing up to celebrate National Library Week (NLW) from April 9 – 15. At almost every branch, there will be food, raffles, and a day just to appreciate our customers. But what is National Library Week?

NLW is a week-long celebration of your local libraries and librarians. In the past, libraries used to be storehouses of books. But because of technological advancement and the changing needs of society, libraries are becoming more than that. They are community places. That’s why the theme for this year’s NLW is “Libraries Transform,” an initiative by the American Library Association.

Take a minute and think about a world without libraries. We have the internet, right? True. But Linton Weeks, National Correspondant from NPR Digital News explains the necessity of libraries. He said, “In the nonstop tsunami of global information, librarians provide us with floaties and teach us to swim.” Without an expert to help you navigate a sea of information, you can easily find false facts.

What do you have in your life because of your local library? BCLS offers materials for lifelong learning – in and out of the library. Thanks to our partnership with Google, we now offer Chromebooks and Wi-Fi hotspots that effectively bring the internet to the rural community. Hundreds of people use our in-house computers each year to look for jobs. And don’t forget the community groups – anime, knitting, and book clubs – that bring people together through shared interests. So here’s what you can do to celebrate your library during NLW.

National Library Week Raffle
In celebration of National Library Week, we will be raffling off a gift basket! Come and drop your name in the
raffle beginning Monday, April 10th. We will draw our winner after Easter, on Monday, April 17th.
St. Stephen Library – Monday, April 10th – Thursday, April 13th
Hanahan Library – Monday, April 10th – Thursday, April 13th

Customer Appreciation Day
In honor of National Library Week, we’re showing how much we love our customers. Come by the library
for a free snack!
Moncks Corner Library – Monday, April 10th, 11 am – 2 pm

Stop in for library info, Friends of the Library info, a Make-n-Take Craft, a Gift Basket Drawing, and light refreshments!
Goose Creek Library – Thursday, April 13th, 10 am – 12 noon

Altered Book Craft
Come give old library books new life as beautiful pieces of art!
Sangaree Library – Tuesday, April 11th, 4 pm – 6 pm

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About the Berkeley County Library System: The Berkeley County Library System enriches lives by informing, inspiring and illuminating its local community. The system consists of six branches and a bookmobile that offer programs and services to a growing county. For more information about BCLS, visit berkeleylibrarysc.org.

About the American Library Association: The American Library Association (ALA) is the oldest and largest library association in the world. Founded on October 6, 1876 during the Centennial Exposition in Philadelphia, the mission of ALA is “to provide leadership for the development, promotion and improvement of library and information services and the profession of librarianship in order to enhance learning and ensure access to information for all.” For more information about the ALA, visit ala.org.

About The Libraries Transform Campaign: The Libraries Transform Campaign, an initiative of the American Library Association (ALA), is designed to increase public awareness of the value, impact and services provided by libraries and library professionals. The campaign will ensure there is one clear, energetic voice for our profession, showcasing the transformative nature of today’s libraries and elevating the critical role libraries play in the digital age. For more information about the Libraries Transform Campaign, visit ilovelibraries.org/librariestransform/.