This week, schools, campuses and communities across the country celebrate National Library Week, a time to remind the public about the contribution libraries, librarians and library workers make to their communities everyday. First sponsored in 1958, National Library Week is a national observance sponsored by the American Library Association and libraries across the country each April.

Here are just a few of the things you can do this week at the Judge George W. Armstrong Library: an open house on Monday; annual poetry contest for area third and fourth graders on Tuesday; special “library” theme story time on Wednesday; and teen poetry slam on Thursday.

Library use is up nationwide among all types of library users, continuing a decade-long trend, and it’s easy to see why. Libraries are places where everyone can go to discover the world. People of all ages visit the library for entertainment, self-help or to find their place in the community. With free resources like books, magazines and computer and wifi access, libraries help people find new jobs, do better in school, tackle projects and learn new ways to improve their health.

What makes the library unique is access to trained professionals — librarians —– to help people find and interpret the information they need to make a difference in their lives. Our libraries also help keep us connected, providing a space for people of all ages, classes and races to come together, while keeping us connected to events and people around the world. It’s where people can keep up with world events or research where to volunteer locally.

Among our services (other than the obvious – books, audio books, reference, magazines, newspapers), we provide outreach services to day care centers, nursing homes, the Senior Center and all local schools. We host several programs, including Summer Library Program, Weekly Story Time, Monthly Anime Club, and Monthly Basic Computer Class. We have nine public access computers and printing, and provide wireless access, as well. We provide FAX services and Copier services. Our web page offers links to two genealogy databases, all of the MAGNOLIA databases, Chilton Auto Manual online database, the World Book Encyclopedia, and Learn-A-Test. For more information on any of these services, just give us a call — or come by and see us! According to a standard “Library Value Estimator,” for every public dollar the Library received in 2007, the value of the services provided amounted to $7.45.

What can you discover? National Library Week is the perfect time to find out. Join your family, friends and community. Join the circle of knowledge @ your library. For more information, visit us at 220 South Commerce St., downtown, call 601-445-8862, or visit the library’s Web site at www.naw.lib.ms.us. Come visit us this week and help us celebrate the 50th anniversary of the celebration of National Library Week!

Susan Cassagne is the director of the Armstrong Library in Natchez.