White Marks National Library Week April 2-8, National Library Workers Day April 4
SPRINGFIELD — Secretary of State and State Librarian Jesse White is saluting Illinois librarians and library staff who will mark National Library Week April 2-8 and National Library Workers Day April 4.
"Our libraries continue to be the most reliable sources of information available to citizens," White said. "Whether they are looking for books, magazines, videos, CDs, databases or Internet access, patrons know they can count on librarians and library staff who have the training, skills and dedication to meet their needs. Illinois' network of 4,000 academic, public, school and special libraries and nine regional library systems are the finest in the nation. I am proud to be associated with so many outstanding men and women who do so much to enrich the lives of our citizens. I recently had the pleasure of addressing more than 600 members of the Illinois library community at Illinois Library Day in Springfield, and I was so impressed with their enthusiasm, energy and love of libraries. Our libraries have never been more important to our communities, and during National Library Week I hope patrons will take time to thank their local librarians and library staff for everything they do to address our information needs and keep our libraries strong."
White paid special tribute to volunteers who work in libraries and men and women who serve as library trustees.
"Many of our libraries could not function without the generosity of countless volunteers who work as library support staff," White said. "These men and women are honorable public servants who offer invaluable assistance to professional library staff. Our library trustees have the sometimes difficult task of implementing library policies and allocating valuable taxpayer dollars that pay for library services. They occasionally must confront controversial issues. I applaud all of our trustees, elected or appointed, for working so hard to keep our libraries running smoothly.
White said he is also proud that 25 Illinois public libraries serve as hosts for his innovative statewide mentoring program, Project Next Generation. Project Next Generation is a program for sixth through ninth graders, where qualified mentors help students develop technological skills and serve as positive role models.
"Our public libraries are the perfect environment for Project Next Generation," White said. "At every site I've visited, kids are having fun and developing technological skills that will serve them well for the rest of their lives.
"Citizens who borrow books and other materials can help their library or literacy programs in a variety of ways--including offering to read to children at the library, becoming a volunteer tutor, organizing or contributing to a used book sale or writing letters of support to lawmakers. Let's work together to maintain our libraries as places for lifelong learning, and during National Library Week, make a point of thanking your local library staff for all they do to enrich our lives."
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