(Mendocino County, CA) – This week, Mendocino County Library joins libraries nationwide in celebrating the many ways libraries lead their communities through the transformative services, programs and expertise they offer.

April 8-14 is National Library Week, an annual celebration of the life-changing work of libraries, librarians and library workers. Libraries aren’t just places to borrow books or study—they’re also creative and engaging community centers where people can collaborate using new technologies and develop their skills and passions.

Libraries of all types have long been evolving to meet the needs of the communities they serve. Diverse groups including elected officials, small business owners and students depend upon libraries and the resources they offer. Resources like e-books and technology classes, materials for English-language learners and digital resources for job seekers are just a few ways libraries and librarians are transforming to lead their communities. Community members can also develop their own leadership skills at the library, with endless opportunity to build skills and confidence through resources and programming.

Mendocino County Library helps lead the community by having weekly story times for children, crafts and learning workshops for adults, teens and children, book club meetings, book author talks, and special events such as the New Book Festivals – the next one will be at the Ukiah Library on May 6th.

“The library helps lead our community by advocating for widespread access to crucial services and lifelong learning,” said Karen Horner, County Librarian. “Libraries level the playing field for people of any age who seek information and access to technologies to improve their quality of life.”

Mendocino County Library is celebrating National Library Week by having programs this week such as the Virtual Reality Day at the Ukiah Library, Great Courses viewing and discussions at Coast Community Library, Family Story Time at the Willits Library, The Almost Fringe Festival: Night of Music and Poetry presented by the Fort Bragg Library, Bending the Arc documentary viewing at the Round Valley Library, and the Bookmobile is in the process of becoming a new WiFi hotspot!

First sponsored in 1958, National Library Week is a national observance sponsored by the American Library Association (ALA) and libraries across the country each April. For more information, visit the Mendocino County Libraries at locations listed at www.mendolibrary.org with the events calendar listed on the left hand side or call 707-463-4490.