Hello ,

This week is National Library Week, an annual recognition of the role of libraries in communities around the country. I've been hearing stories that reinforce what I already know: there's a lot to celebrate about our Library.

The original theme of this year's Library Week was "Find Your Place at the Library." In recent weeks, the American Library Association changed it to "Find the Library at Your Place." Both versions align with our mission of improving lives and building a stronger community. Today's libraries are at the heart of our cities, towns, schools and campuses, providing critical resources, programs and expertise as we move to online and virtual offferings.

Libraries are about more than just the services they offer, they're about the people they serve. This week, voices from staff and customers throughout our community - and far beyond - have shared stories of how the Library is helping them through this challenging time, with everything from one-on-one assistance with digital tools to accessing a library account while quarantined in India. Families have discovered familiar librarians offering virtual storytimes, as well as study aides and home-schooling resources, and adults have found everything from meditation and online classes to the tools they need to revise a business strategy. You really can find the Library at your place. 

An important component of National Library Week is Library Giving Day, on Thursday, April 23. This is an opportunity to demonstrate your support for your local library, and a generous donor will match all gifts this week up to $10,000, doubling the impact of each donation. We hope we can continue to count on your support - this week and every week.

Thank you, keep finding your library, and stay well. 

Jenni Gaisbauer, CFRE
Executive Director