Libraries across the nation are celebrating National Library Week through Saturday.
Put together by the American Library Association, this week’s theme, “Connect with Your Library,” promotes the idea that libraries are places to get connected to technology by using broadband, computers and other resources.
Libraries also offer opportunities to connect with media, programs, ideas and classes — in addition to books.
The Columbus-Lowndes Public Library System (CLPLS) is hosting a variety of special programs in honor of National Library Week.
On Tuesday, children’s book author Yvonne Cox will read and share activities from her book, “Peace in the Home” from her Pearlie … I Dream series at 10 a.m. The bi-monthly Anime and Manga Club will meet for free snacks to watch and discuss their latest anime pick at 6 p.m..
“We’re so excited to offer a host of programs for 2022’s National Library Week. It’s been a while since we’ve been able to return to this program and we’re delighted to bring awareness to all that the library, and libraries in Mississippi, offer,” said Tori Hopper, children’s and teen services and programming coordinator. “We’ll kick off the week by donating canned food items to those in need in the Columbus community, and the library has been approved to allow fine free returns and free library card replacements for the week as well. We’re also hoping to add some fun blind-choice book displays and other things around the library to celebrate.”
LEGO Night will offer LEGOs for ages 2 years and older at 6 p.m. Wednesday. Self-guided activities will be included for those who attend.
On Thursday, the library will host its annual edible book festival. Edible books are made of food and are inspired by literary titles, characters, or authors. The public is invited to vote for their favorite entry either in-person at the Columbus branch or on the library’s Facebook page from 11 a.m.-4:30 p.m. the day of the festival. The top three winners will be announced at 5 p.m. that day.
All ages Bingo will be held at 6 p.m. Thursday. Winners will receive free prizes such as gift cards and merchandise from local businesses.
The week will end with programs for adults, including a Nibble and Scribble event at noon Friday. Paint, materials, and snacks will be provided for free to the public. The library’s regular Spoken Word and Arts program will be hosted to wrap up the week at noon Saturday. This exhibition welcomes all interested individuals with any talents to attend.
“Even though our event calendars say, ‘childrens, teens, or adults,’ all library programs are free and open to everyone,” said Clara Ortega, adult services and programming coordinator. “I hope families show up to Nibble and Scribble after Wee Babies, and artists of all levels and mediums consider signing up for the Spoken Word and Arts Exhibition.”
Bryan Public Library in West Point will not have any special activities to mark National Library Week, but its Facebook page encourages residents to visit the library and show employees how they connect to the library. Visitors can use the hashtag #MyLibrary for a change to win a $100 Visa gift card courtesy of the American Library Association.
Starkville-Oktibbeha Public Library will host its new “Common Threads” knitting circle at 2 p.m. Wednesday, according to Loraine Walker, children’s librarian. Its Friends of the Library group held a book sale on Monday.
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