National Library Week is April 19-25. Despite the fact that visiting the library in person is not an option, there are still plenty of ways to celebrate.

S.W. Smith Library Director Mary Grace Collier-Kisler explained, “The original theme was ‘Find Your Place at the Library,’ and now the American Library Association has changed it to ‘Find the Library at Your Place.’ Our buildings may be closed during National Library Week, but our online resources are open. Online programming will also continue and expand. Our library district just recently added Gale Courses to our virtual resources.”

In the past, local libraries have held drives for perishable foods, forgiving fines for each item donated. They also have held various events where socializing and loving books were the main theme.

“I am sad that we can’t celebrate library week in person. S.W. Smith Memorial Public Library usually has some fun events including our Building Fun(d) 5K Run-Walk, Young Adult Book Tasting, and Food for Fine$ drive. I plan to encourage people to continue to support their library through local advocacy,” Collier-Kisler said. “If they are enjoying the free online and virtual resources the library is offering during this crisis, I ask that patrons reach out to their township supervisors, County Commissioners, and State Representatives to let them know their library has not abandoned them.

“I am also going to remind patrons that this is usually a Food for Fine$ week. Patrons are not accruing library fines during this crisis, but the local food pantries would still appreciate donations this week.”

The S.W. Smith Memorial Public Library Facebook page will be the place to visit virtually next week, as Collier-Kisler plans to share a Kahoot game about books, authors and book characters each day.

Hamlin Memorial Library in Smethport is also serving patrons from a distance, offering resources that are available online.

“We are continuing to promote the services the library is offering virtually throughout this period. The theme is ‘Find the Library at your Place’ and we will encourage people to do just that,” said Hamlin Library Director Lori Rounsville. “In the past, we’ve had food for fines and special family nights. I’m going to encourage people to donate to the local food bank if they can. I’m also going to challenge families to hold their own Family Story Hour and share their favorite titles with us. We want to remind them that even though the building isn’t open to them, the library is still a big part of their lives!”

The Bradford Area Public Library invites the community to visit bradfordlibrary.org to access virtual services and resources. Library officials note that the public can still enjoy online story times, eBooks and eAudio books, and a variety of online resources, all from the comfort and safety of their homes.

“Access to some online content is limited to library cardholders. Not a cardholder yet? The public is invited to sign up for a free, digital, temporary library card by simply visiting senecalibraries.overdrive.com,” Bradford Marketing Coordinator Janelle Nolan said. “By securing a library card, an individual will be free to peruse a collection of over 16,000 eBooks and eAudiobooks. Additionally, through the courtesy of the Seneca Library District, library patrons can also enroll in college-level, professional development, or personal enrichment classes through Gale Courses. These online courses are accessible anywhere, at any time, through the library’s website.”

Information on new resources, online crafting and staying safe can be found by visiting the Bradford Library’s Facebook page. It is also the perfect time to sign up to receive the library’s newsletter, according to Nolan.

Nolan explained that throughout National Library Week, the Bradford Library’s Facebook page will have a different theme every day. Each post will provide an opportunity for community engagement – whether that is sharing a happy memory about a current or past librarian, posting a picture of what book you are currently reading, or showing off your child’s art or building projects.

Each day, one commenter will be randomly selected to win a Bradford Area Chamber of Commerce gift certificate, so make sure to check back every day and participate for a chance to win.