Meeting Type: BCC Regular Meeting
Meeting Date: 3/19/2019
Item Status: New
From: Ronald J. Cink, Budget Director
Submitted by: Keri E. Green, Administrative Support Specialist
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ITEM TITLE
Title
Proclamation - National Library Week - April 7-13, 2019
Body
STAFF RECOMMENDATION
Recommendation
Adopt a Proclamation which designates April 7-13, 2019, as National Library Week in Baldwin County, Alabama, and encourages all residents to visit the library to take advantage of the wonderful resources available.
End
BACKGROUND INFORMATION
Previous Commission action/date: April 3, 2018 - Adopted Proclamation for 2018 National Library Week
Background: National Library Week will be observed April 7-13, 2019
General Information:
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. It is a time to celebrate the contributions of our nation’s libraries and librarians and to promote library use and support. This support includes free access to books and online resources for families and library business centers that help support entrepreneurship and retraining, as well as many other opportunities. All types of libraries participate, including school, public, academic and special libraries.
This year the them is “Libraries = Strong Communities: Celebrate National Library Week April 7-13, 2019.” The theme mirrors an American Library Association presidential effort entitled “Libraries = Strong Communities,” which is a national advocacy campaign aimed at highlighting the value of academic, public and school libraries. The public awareness campaign is supported by ALA President Loida Garcia-Febo (2018-2019) and recognized by communities across the country.
The month of April is also considered School Library Month. Celebrations during National Library Week include:
• Monday, April 8, 2019: The 2019 State of America’s Library Report is released
• Tuesday, April 9, 2019: National Library Workers Day
• Wednesday, April 10, 2019: National Book Mobile Day
• Thursday, April 11, 2019: Take Action for Libraries Day
History:
In the mid-1950s, research showed that Americans were spending less on books and more on radios, televisions and musical instruments. Concerned that Americans were reading less, the ALA and the American Book Publishers formed a nonprofit citizens organization in 1954 called The National Book Committee. The committee’s goals were ambitious. They ranged from “encouraging people to read in their increasing leisure time” to “improving incomes and health” and “developing strong and happy family life.” In 1957, the committee developed a plan for National Library Week based on the idea that once people were motivated to read, they would support and use libraries. With the cooperation of ALA and with help from the Advertising Council, the first National Library Week was observed in 1958, with the theme “Wake Up and Read!” National Library Week was observed again in 1959, and the ALA Council voted to continue the annual celebration. When the National Book Committee disbanded in 1974, ALA assumed full sponsorship.
National Library Week is observed each year in April, generally on the second full week. Liz Reed, Director of the Baldwin County Library Cooperative, will be in attendance to accept the Proclamation.
FINANCIAL IMPACT
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LEGAL IMPACT
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ADVERTISING REQUIREMENTS
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FOLLOW UP IMPLEMENTATION
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