Warwick Library Week: Director Meetups, Stories

WARWICK, RI— Warwick Library Week combines invitations to share stories about library connections and coffee meetups with Director Aaron Coutu during National Library Week April 23-29.

The theme for Warwick Library Week 2023 is “There’s More to the Story.”

“Libraries are full of stories in a variety of formats from picture books to large print, audiobooks to ebooks, and more,” Warwick Library wrote in their announcement about the National Library week celebration.

“But there’s so much more to the story. Libraries lend items like museum passes, games, musical instruments, and tools. Library programming brings communities together for entertainment, education, and connection through book clubs, storytimes, movie nights, crafting classes, and lectures. Library infrastructure advances communities, providing internet and technology access, literacy skills, and support for businesses, job seekers, and entrepreneurs.”

During National Library Week 2023, the Warwick Public Library is asking patrons to share the connections they’ve made thanks to the library. Did you find a great book? Get access to computers? Attend a great program or story time? Did you make new friends at the library’s book club? Tell us by posting to Instagram, Twitter, or on the I Love Libraries Facebook page. Use the hashtags#MyLibrary, #NationalLibraryWeek, and #WarwickPL-RI.

Warwick Library also invites the public to meet Library Director Aaron Coutu at each branch for Coffee and Conversations so you can ask questions, offer suggestions, and learn about some of the library’s new initiatives. Coffee and cookies will be served. The schedules for sessions are as follows:

·       Central Library: Friday, April 28 at 10 a.m.

·       Apponaug Branch:  Tuesday, April 25 at 2 p.m.

·       Conimicut Branch: Saturday, April 29 at 10 a.m.

·       Norwood Branch: Wednesday, April 26 at 6 p.m.

First sponsored in 1958, National Library Week is a national observance sponsored by the American Library Association and libraries of all types across the country each April. When National Library Week began, research showed that Americans were spending more money on radios, televisions, and musical instruments than books. The goal of the celebration was to encourage people to read more, which would also lead them to support and use their libraries more. Though the methods, technology, and role of libraries have changed in the past 60 years, our universal goals of building lifelong readers, creating inclusive learning environments, protecting intellectual freedom and privacy, serving a
diverse public, and connecting community through engaging programs remain steadfast.