[Libs-Or] INFORMATION: Sen. Harkin pens piece on value of libaries in honor of National Library Week

[Diedre Conkling]

Sen. Harkin pens piece on value of libaries in honor of National Library
Week <http://www.wo.ala.org/districtdispatch/?p=4756>
April 15, 2010 ( No
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*Source: IowaPolictics.com <http://bit.ly/bfu2Hf>*

*U.S. Sen. Harkin: Enjoying our local public libraries*
4/14/2010

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT: Kate Cyrul / Bergen Kenny April 14, 2010
(202) 224-3254

In Iowa’s Interest: Enjoying Our Local Public Libraries

By Senator Tom Harkin

This week we observe National Library Week – a good time to think about the
important contributions our libraries and librarians make in our
communities. First sponsored in 1958, National Library Week is an observance
sponsored by the American Library Association (ALA) and libraries across the
country each April. This year’s theme is “Communities thrive @ your library”
– and I could not agree more. Libraries have always been there for our
communities. Today they provide a place for people – no matter their income
– to access the internet and all the information it provides. And they still
serve, as they always have, as places to do in depth research, to discover a
new book, to hold discussions or just a place for kids to escape into their
imagination.

The growth of public libraries in Iowa is a unique story. Between 1892 and
1917 Andrew Carnegie provided funds for 101 community libraries – 49 of
which are still in use today – and seven academic libraries across the
state. In fact, Iowa was one of the top beneficiaries of Carnegie’s efforts
to promote libraries.

And these libraries could not function without the dedication of our
librarians. These trained professionals often go un-thanked but really play
an important part in preserving our literary history and helping us get the
information we need. I am grateful to them for all of their hard work.

During National Library Week, we are also reminded of the importance of
reading skills in a child’s development. Unfortunately, a wide literacy gap
exists between our nation’s disadvantaged children and those with greater
resources, but parental efforts to read to and with their children on a
daily basis can promote the literacy of all children. Research proves that
reading aloud with children is the single most important activity for
helping them become successful readers. I fondly remember being read to as a
child and reading to my two daughters when they were young. That’s why every
week I participate in a program called “Everybody Wins!” The organization’s
mission – one mentor, one child, one book at a time – is a testimony to the
impact volunteers can have on a child’s life. Many libraries and schools
across the country offer a similar program and during this week I encourage
everyone to read to the children in their lives and consider participating
in a similar program in their community.

Libraries all over the county, whether public or academic, are doing their
part in bridging the literacy gap this week and all year, often hosting
guest speakers and poetry readings, providing library assistance programs,
arts and crafts sessions and other programs. I recommend you check out your
local library to participate or volunteer or even find out more about
getting a library card.
For more information on National Library Week, please visit:
http://www.ala.org/ala/aboutala/offices/pio/natlibraryweek/nlw.cfm<http://bit.ly/bfu2Hf>

http://www.wo.ala.org/districtdispatch/?p=4756


-- 
Diedre Conkling
Lincoln County Library District
P.O. Box 2027
Newport, OR  97365
Work phone & fax:  541-265-3066
Work email:  diedre at beachbooks.org
Home email:  diedre08 at gmail.com
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