Williams County Public Library with locations in Bryan, Edgerton, Edon, Pioneer, Stryker, and West Unity will be joining libraries in schools, campuses and communities nationwide in celebrating National Library Week, a time to highlight the value of libraries, librarians and library workers. First sponsored in 1958, National Library Week is a national observance sponsored by the American Library Association (ALA) and by libraries across the country each April. “Libraries Transform” is this year’s theme for National Library Week, April 10 through April 16, 2016.
WCPL serves Williams County by providing books, magazines, newspapers, movies, music, audio books, and digital books for all ages. WCPL also provides many services to the public including free computer and internet access, homebound services, and many special programs, among other things. “Service to the community has always been the focus of the library,” said Jeff Yahraus, Library Director. “While this aspect has never changed, libraries have grown and evolved in how they provide for the needs of every member of their community.”
To celebrate National Library Week, all locations of WCPL will have an amnesty period from April 11 through April 15 when fines will be forgiven on overdue materials.
This year, the library will also have two special giveaways at each branch, an educational gift basket for children, ages newborn through 5 years old, and an IPad Mini, for patrons six years and older. Patrons will receive a ticket/chance to enter into the contest for each book/material checked out. For those who are new to the library, when you sign up for a library card you will automatically receive 10 tickets/chances to win the contest! When applying for a library card, adults are required to present photo ID such as a driver’s license showing current address, 1 piece of mail verifying current address, (only a bill or bank statement will be accepted) and must complete and sign the patron application form. Parents or guardians must sign application forms for children under 18 years of age, using the same types of ID. Beginning on Monday, March 28, the contest will run through National Library Week, with winners being chosen on Friday, April 15.
Special programs and fun activities will also take place at each WCPL location.
The Bryan Main Library has many exciting events and giveaways for National Library Week. The Adult Department will be having a gift basket raffle prize, in addition to the IPad Mini contest. The Children’s Department will have themed programs each day of the week. Monday, April 11 will be a “Game Day.” Drop in to play board games, cards, indoor golf, and so much more. Tuesday, April 12 is National Library Workers Day. Come decorate a cookie with the Children’s Dept. staff, while supplies last! On Wednesday, April 13 go on a book scavenger hunt! Build with Legos all day on Thursday, April 14. On Friday, April 15 stop by anytime during the day and decorate a bracelet.
Edgerton Library will be having freebies, the Book Spine Poetry Contest, and a Make and Take station where patrons can make 2 types of bookmarks during National Library Week, along with regular programming.
Edon Branch Library will have several contests along with their regular story hour schedule. There will be a “Guess the Weight” book bundle contest, an I-Spy competion, a Turning Jar contest, and an open-themed Lego contest open to all ages. On Wednesday, April 13 there will be a book stacking competition all day with prizes being awarded for the tallest stack and the stack containing the most books. The library will also be showing a family movie on Friday, April 15 at 1:00 pm in the meeting room. There will also be gift baskets for adults and tweens, in addition to the WCPL Children’s gift basket, given out at the end of the week.
National Library Week at the Pioneer Branch Library will be celebrated by having a Franklin DVD Collection drawing for children. On Wednesday, April 13 there will be a special movie matinee for the whole family, beginning at 3:00 pm. The library will also hold all of its regular programming throughout the week
Stryker Branch Library will have bookmark giveaways, puzzles, coloring pages, and guessing jars. There will also be several special contests. From the “Book in Jar” contest, to guessing the correct weight of a book stack, and participating in the “Find Waldo and Friend in the Library competition, there’s sure to be fun for everyone!
West Unity Branch Library will celebrate National Library Week with giveaways and book prizes for all ages. The library will hold special programs on Tuesday, April 12 with the “Transformers Party” for children and their families. On Thursday, April 14 say goodbye to the beloved TV show Downton Abbey, with the last Tea and Downton Abbey event. All special programs will begin at 6:00 pm.
For more information, visit Williams County Public Library in Bryan at 107 E. High Street, call 419-636-6734 or see the library’s web site at www.mywcpl.org
INFORMATION PROVIDED