National Library Week

National Library Week: April 6 through 12—is a time to celebrate and acknowledge the tremendous value libraries across the nation offer our communities and how they create safe places to learn, grow, and connect. The American Library Association has themed "Drawn to the Library" this year to encourage people to discover (or rediscover) what draws them.

We've planned some fun interaNational Library Weekctive ways for you to help us celebrate. Visit the Central Library to share your favorite books with us, and vote for a fun name for our book carts!

As we celebrate all things library, we are also compelled to ask for your support. The recent executive order mandating the elimination of seven agencies, including the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS), targets library institutions and is deeply concerning.  This agency supports libraries nationwide and provides vital funding through grants that strengthen many Illinois libraries. Defunding this agency will harm libraries, especially underserved communities.

We are part of Reaching Across Illinois Libraries (RAILS), which receives funding from the Illinois State Library and the Secretary of State. RAILS connects libraries across the state and provides various services, including delivering materials between libraries for inter-library loan services.

We ask that you support Illinois libraries and "Show Up for Our Libraries" by telling your Congress members to protect IMLS and the library services that make a difference in your life. Thursday, April 10, is "Take Action for Libraries Day" to rally advocates for libraries. Please consider taking action and sharing with your friends, family, and neighbors to join in supporting your library.