The Columbus-Lowndes Public Library System will celebrate National Library Week April 8-14 with several special events.
Libraries historically have served as the nation’s great equalizers of knowledge, said Library Director Alice Shands. The strength of libraries has always been the diversity of their collections and commitment to serving all people.
“Whether you’re a job seeker looking for resources to land a new job, a parent looking for free activities for children or a student searching for your next favorite book, you belong at your library,” said Shands.
Highlight events at the library during the national observance include:
n Tuesday – A “Supper with Authors” features Deborah Johnson of Columbus, winner of the 2010 Mississippi Author Award for Adult Fiction from the Mississippi Library Association; Arnold Dyre of Madison, whose weekly column for the Grenada Star newspaper has been compiled into two books; and Grif Stockley, a Mississippi native, who writes extensively about race relations in Arkansas.
The evening begins at 5:30 p.m., with an opportunity to visit with authors before a 6 p.m. supper. Presentations by authors begin at 6:30 p.m. There is no charge to attend, but (free) tickets are limited. Contact Erin Stringer at the library, 662-329-5150, to reserve a ticket.
n Thursday – An Appreciation Luncheon for Public Officials begins at the library at 11:30 a.m. Local, regional and state officials are invited to tour the library, before lunch with Sharman Smith, executive director of the Mississippi Library Commission, the Columbus-Lowndes library system staff and members of the Board of Trustees and Friends of the Library.
Law library
Shands also said attorney Lydia Quarles of Starkville will, on Wednesday, begin the process of transferring the Lowndes County Law Library from the Lowndes County Courthouse to the Columbus library. Quarles’ participation as a consultant in this project is made possible by a Library Service and Technology Act Professional Assistance grant, through the Mississippi Library Commission.
Also on Wednesday, the Friends of the Library presents Table Talk with Grif Stockley, author of an award-winning biography of Arkansas civil rights crusader Daisy Bates. Those attending may bring lunch at 11:30 a.m. to socialize (iced tea provided). The program begins at noon.
Libraries help level the playing field by making both print and digital information affordable, available and accessible to all people. Libraries provide cultural heritage and genealogical collections, materials in print and electronic formats, job seeking resources, and many other creative and resourceful programs.
“Today’s libraries provide a wide range of opportunities for people with diverse needs and interests,” said Shands. “That means providing communities with tailor-made collections and services for people of diverse backgrounds, language abilities and technological skills.”
First sponsored in 1958, National Library Week is a national observance sponsored by the American Library Association and libraries across the country each April.
For more information, visit any of the Columbus-Lowndes Libraries located in Columbus, Artesia, Caledonia and Crawford.
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