National Library Week
This week, the American Library Association celebrates National Library Week. The theme is “Connect with Your Library,” reminding us of the multitude of ways that libraries connect us to ideas and people.
The ALA picked award-winning actress Molly Shannon as this year’s honorary chair of National Library Week. Her statement demonstrated her personal connection to libraries: “I am so honored to serve as honorary chair of National Library Week for 2022. My mom was a librarian. She encouraged kids to read. So, the work of librarians and libraries has such a special place in my heart.
Libraries are places where communities connect — to things like broadband, computers, programs and classes, books, movies, video games, and more. But most importantly, libraries connect us to each other. Supporting National Library Week in this role allows me to connect to my mother’s memory and all the librarians out there. Thank you for everything you do.”
How do libraries connect you to your world? Let’s look at Internet access. Currently, many residents in Botetourt County have no access to high-speed Internet. Fortunately, you can come to the library and use our WiFi – available 24/7 on library property – or use our public computers when our buildings are open Monday-Saturday. With Internet, you can communicate with other people and connect to a world of ideas.
The library’s resources also connect you to new ideas. Most people think of books, but we also stock movies, music, puzzles, sports equipment, seeds, telescopes, and educational family activity kits for checkout. The best part is that it’s totally free; we don’t even charge overdue fines when you bring them back late!
Finally, libraries connect people to their community. Because they’re open to everyone in the entire county (and visitors who don’t live in Botetourt), there’s a good chance you’ll meet people outside your normal social circles. Most of us like to hang around people like us – they have similar pay grades, jobs, lifestyles and values. By coming to the library, you can meet people who see and experience the world very differently from you. That exposure helps all of us understand and respect people who are different from us, encouraging us to think of their interests as well as our own when we advocate for changes in our community.
We invite you to make a special trip to the library this week to celebrate with us. Drop by during one of our many Coffee Conversations to chat with others and meet the people who work for Botetourt County in public safety, recreation, administration, and more. Connect with new ideas and make new friends at the library. We can’t wait to see you!
Botetourt County Libraries
