Embrace Leadership at your Library: Celebrate National Library Week April 8-14
April 5, 2018 (Helena, MT) – From April 8-14th, your Lewis & Clark Library joins libraries nationwide in celebrating National Library Week. Lewis & Clark Library will join other libraries in celebrating the many ways libraries lead their communities through the transformative services, programs, and expertise they offer.
Libraries aren’t just places to borrow books or study—they’re also creative and engaging community centers where people can collaborate using new technologies and develop their skills and passions.
Lewis & Clark Library Director John Finn explains the importance of libraries as one of adaptation, “Lewis & Clark Library has long been evolving to meet the needs of the community we serve. Diverse groups depend upon our library and the resources we provide. The staff and Board of Directors has always prided themselves in how well we adapt our services to meet the changing needs of the communities we serve.”
In celebration of National Library Week, Your Lewis & Clark Library has a host of events planned in addition to Food for Fines.
“Each year during National Library Week, we offer an opportunity for individuals with fines to clear up their accounts,” explains Finn. “Simply bring in non-perishable food items, along with your overdue items, and we will waive your fines.” There are some restrictions to this annual fine-amnesty however, all materials must be returned and the patron’s account cannot be in collections. All food collected will be given to Helena Food Share.
In addition to Food for Fines, National Library Week events include:
Sunday, April 8th at 1PM: (Large Meeting Room)
Crafty Day at the Library!
“This is a great way to meet new people, explore your creative side, and have fun in the library,” explains Suzanne Schwichtenberg, Adult Services Librarian. Participants at this month’s crafty day will learn to make cookie sheet magnet boards. Please register at the Information Desk or call 447-1690.
Monday, April 9th
Builder’s Bonanza for kids, pre K-5 from 3-4PM: (Children’s Area)
"Libraries lead kids to explore math and engineering skills through non-traditional library activities such as playing with building toys like the ever popular LEGOs. While playing, kids are socializing, sharing and collaborating in a safe library space," explains Marissa Bazan, Children’s Services Librarian. Participants are invited to build out of an assortment of building materials from K’NEX to Squigz, to LEGOs and Magformers. Build on your own, or build together.
“Teen Programing is important to establishing meaningful connections with young people in our community and providing them with a space in which they feel safe to explore the topics important to them at that moment in their lives,” explains Heather Dickerson, Teen Services Librarian. Several months ago Dickerson began hosting Girl’s STEM Club and the program continues to grow. Each month the group works on a new project that combines science, technology, engineering, math and a little art. Girl’s STEM will meet from 3-4:30PM on Monday, April 9th in the Small Meeting Room. Sign up (it helps make sure we have enough materials), or just show up! Girls in grade 6 and up welcome.
Little Free Library Cub Scout Program, 6PM in the Large Meeting Room
Webelos 2, Pack 206 made five little free libraries for resale. Four the little free libraries were painted by Capital High Art students and the fifth was painted by local artist, Emily Free Wilson. The libraries are on display in the Library and can be purchased at the event on the 10th. Proceeds from the sale of the libraries will go to the Lewis & Clark Library Foundation.
Wednesday, April 11:
National Bookmobile Day, a day to recognize the contributions of our nation's bookmobiles and the dedicated professionals who make quality bookmobile outreach possible in their communities.
This year, Your Lewis & Clark Library will be participating in the Montana Bookmobile Roundup April 11th – 14th. Regular bookmobile stops from April 11th to the 14th, 2018 are cancelled so that the bookmobile can celebrate National Bookmobile Day with bookmobiles from all over Montana. There is a Bookmobile Roundup in Bozeman, Montana that will have several mobiles on display. Open times are Thursday, April 12th from 1:30-3:30 pm and Friday, April 13th from 2:30-4:30 PM. Help celebrate all bookmobiles on Wednesday, April 11th, 2018!
Thursday, April 12th:
Second Thursday Teen Writers’ Group with Beth from 4:30-5:30PM in the Small Meeting Room.
Do you like to write? Fiction, poetry, nonfiction...? Join our totally revamped group celebrating teens and writing! Beth, Public Desk Expert and writer extraordinaire, leads this group. Come ready to write and learn new ways to make your words sing.
Life-long learners are invited to join the “Taking Photos with your Phone” class on Thursday, April 12, from 1-2 PM in the Small Meeting Room. Having trouble taking pictures with your smart phone? Come to this class for tips on how to make your photos pop. Will include a Photography Walk to try out your skills. Free and open to the public. Seating is limited, stop by the Information Desk or call 447-1690 to register.
“The library helps lead our community by advocating for widespread access to crucial services and lifelong learning,” explains Finn. “We invite you visit your Library during National Library Week and learn more about how your Library can help connect you to a whole new world.”
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