Meeting Type: BCC Regular Meeting
Meeting Date: 4/6/2021
Item Status: New
From: Wayne Dyess, County Administrator
Submitted by: Jeannie M. Peerson, Commission Executive Assistant
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ITEM TITLE
Title
Proclamation - National Library Week - April 4 - 10, 2021
Body
STAFF RECOMMENDATION
Recommendation
Adopt a Proclamation which designates April 4 - 10, 2021, as National Library Week in Baldwin County, Alabama.
End
BACKGROUND INFORMATION
Previous Commission action/date: April 21, 2020 - Adopted Proclamation for 2020 National Library Week
Background: National Library Week will be observed April 4 - 10, 2021. Elizabeth H. Webb, Director of Baldwin County Library Cooperative, spokesperson for the group will be in attendance to accept the Proclamation, also in attendance Joanna Bailey, Bay Minette Public Library Director, Chad Yarbrough, Baldwin County Library Cooperative, Inc.'s (BCLC) Chairman of the Board, Amanda Burgett, BCLC Assistant Director.
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 theme is “Welcome to Your Library: Celebrate National Library Week - April 4-10, 2021,” which promotes the idea that libraries extend far beyond the four walls of a building and that everyone is welcome to use their services.
The month of April is also considered School Library Month. Celebrations during National Library Week include:
• Monday, April 5, 2021: The 2021 State of America’s Library Report is released
• Tuesday, April 6, 2021: National Library Workers Day
• Wednesday, April 7, 2021: National Library Outreach Day
• Thursday, April 11, 2021: 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.
FINANCIAL IMPACT
Total cost of recommendation: N/A
Budget line item(s) to be used: N/A
If this is not a budgeted expenditure, does the recommendation create a need for funding? N/A
LEGAL IMPACT
Is legal review necessary for this staff recommendation and related documents?
N/A
Reviewed/approved by: N/A
Additional comments: N/A
ADVERTISING REQUIREMENTS
Is advertising required for this recommendation? N/A
If the proof of publication affidavit is not attached, list the reason: N/A
FOLLOW UP IMPLEMENTATION
For time-sensitive follow up, select deadline date for follow up: N/A
Individual(s) responsible for follow up: N/A
Action required (list contact persons/addresses if documents are to be mailed or emailed): Commission Administration print, place presentation binder and obtain signatures.
Additional instructions/notes: N/A