April 19-25, 2020 is National Library Week, a time to highlight the valuable role libraries, librarians and library workers play in transforming lives and strengthening communities. This week, the Carson City Library invites all community members to find the library at their place by visiting www.www.carsoncitylibrary.org to access virtual services and resources. While the library’s physical spaces may be temporarily closed due to COVID-19, the public can discover ebooks, movies, online storytimes and much more—all from home. Books and videos are available through the library’s OverDrive collection, and library staff are offering a variety of virtual programming through social media and videoconferencing. The library’s month-long Capital City Reads program – this year featuring My First Summer in the Sierra by John Muir – will also begin during National Library Week, with downloadable ebooks and audiobooks, virtual programs, and an outdoor story stroll with quotes from the book set up in Carson River Park.
In times of crisis, libraries respond to their community’s needs in innovative and inspiring ways. Throughout the coronavirus pandemic, libraries of all types are continuing to make a difference in people’s lives by providing electronic learning resources including virtual homework help, online crafting and DIY sessions as well as information about keeping your family well and safe. Information on the Carson City Library’s virtual services can be found on the Library at Home page and through our weekly Library at Home newsletters.
This National Library Week, the public can show their appreciation and support for libraries by visiting the library’s website, following @CarsonCityLibrary on social media and using the hashtag #NationalLibraryWeek. Share some love on social media for your virtual library services during National Library Week by posting about an ebook, audiobook, virtual storytime or bookclub, or how your library has made a difference while you’ve been social distancing at home.
The original theme for National Library Week, “Find your place at the library,” was chosen months ago before the emergence of a global pandemic would force libraries to close their buildings. In response to our rapidly-changing times, the theme was revised to “Find the library at your place” to bring attention to how libraries are open for business online, offering the electronic services and digital content their communities need now more than ever.
First sponsored in 1958, National Library Week is a national observance sponsored by the American Library Association (ALA) and libraries of all types across the country each April.