It’s National Library Week this week and that means local libraries are celebrating in a variety of ways. At the Madison Library District in Rexburg, there are free cookies and displays of book nooks patrons created as part of a contest.
“It’s a small, teeny diorama that you can put on a bookshelf in between the books,” says Gina Miller, the children’s and young adult programming librarian at the Madison Library District.
National Library Week is a way for libraries to celebrate literacy and the wealth of resources and programs they have available. Many libraries have programs for children and adults. The children’s programs at Madison Library District, which Miller is in charge of planning, include all ages.
“If you’re unsure of which program to attend, you should attend the program – just choose one a week – attend the program of your oldest child,” Miller says.
Many parents enjoy taking their children to story times and traditionally those have all been in English at Madison Library District. However, there is a new Spanish language story time on Mondays at 10:30 a.m.
This Wednesday the library will also have a special Blockfest from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. in conjunction with Eastern Idaho Public Health.
“And they bring all of these blocks into the community room and it's full of huge blocks, little blocks, wooden blocks, and cardboard blocks and everything,” Miller says. “If you want to come and have a great time with your child all they have to do is come and wear some socks.”
Programs aren’t just for children. Adults have book clubs, writing clubs and exploration kits.
“If you get a hankering for learning about a certain topic, then come and check out one of these adult exploration kits,” Miller says. “You can learn about everything that you want.”
The librarians are also getting ready for the summer reading program. The theme this summer is “Adventure begins at your library.” The library is looking for businesses to sponsor the program. Patrons can sign up for the program beginning June 3. The library will also work with the Rexburg Area Chamber of Commerce over the summer with the chamber’s Ready, Set, Recharge program. More details are coming.
“We will have so many fun activities for you to do that, help you to have an adventure and it’ll all start with books,” Miller says.
There are also ways to give back to the library by donating books or buying books at the Wishing Well.
For more information about the Madison Library District go to its website.