April 14, 2008 – The Division of Libraries is celebrating National Library Week April 14-19. First sponsored in 1958, the week is a national observance sponsored by the American Library Association (ALA) and libraries across the country, according to a press release from the Department of Planning and Natural Resources.
It is a time to celebrate the contributions of libraries, librarians and library workers in schools, campuses and communities nationwide and to discover how you can join the Circle of Knowledge @ Your Library.
"Everyday, libraries in big cities and small towns, colleges and universities, in schools and in businesses help transform their communities," says Director of Libraries Ingrid Bough. "At our library, people of all backgrounds can come together for community meetings, lectures and programs, to do research with the assistance of a trained professional, to get a job or to find homework help."
Scheduled programs and events for National Library Week include the following:
Monday, April 14, Storytelling Day, Little Theatre, Florence Williams Library
Glenn Davis, state director of cultural education, will present a storytelling workshop to the 5th and 6th graders from Randolph Lockhart Christian School and the St. Croix Christian Academy from 10-11 a.m.
Tuesday, April 15, National Library Worker's Day, Florence Williams Public Library
Cheryl Francis, book reading to 1st graders from Juanita Gardine Elementary School (Children's Room) from 10-11 a.m.
The Friends of the Florence Williams Public Library will sponsor a luncheon for library staff members at 11:15 a.m. Presentations will be made by the library staff to volunteers who have given their time and effort to help support the library.
Wednesday, April 16, Children's Puppetry Day, Florence Williams Public Library
Youth for a Mission will perform for 4-year-olds through 7-year-olds from St. Mary's Catholic School, Randolph Lockhart Christian School and A-Z Academy schools from 10-11 a.m.
"Fired Up for Storytelling", Enid Baa Public Library
To celebrate National Library Week, Cultural Education will hold a seminar for students in 6th – 9th grade on storytelling given by Glen Davis and his storyteller apprentices from 3:30-5 p.m., in the Baa Library Children's Room
Baa Supporter Appreciation Day
Friends of the Library have invited those who have made contributions to Enid M. Baa Public Library in the last year to a meet-and-greet from 5:30-7 p.m., in order to say thank them. Bookmobile design artist Jahheal Massac will be on hand with copies of his book of poetry "Up From Your Mind."
Thursday, April 17, Teen Literature Day (ALA)
The Friends of the Library will be presenting awards to the winners of the "Teen Picks Book Review Contest" that was announced to various middle and high school students. This will take place at 3:45 p.m., in the Little Theatre (second floor).
Graffiti Street will be perform from 4-5 p.m., in the Little Theatre. Their performance will be in conjunction with the celebration of National Teen Literature Day, bringing to teens an awareness of the value of books and reading. The cast members will be acting out a scene from "Fahrenheit 451" and will be discussing books they have read.
Friday, April 18, Senior Day (Children's Room), Florence Williams Library
From 10 a.m. to noon, patrons from the Richmond Senior Center will visit the library and listen to a presentation by Sandra Solomon from the Regional Library for the Blind and Handicapped. She will discuss the resources that are available for the disabled and will bring along books on tape for patrons to use. She will also be available to sign up qualified patrons for their services. Mrs. Mercado will demonstrate how to use the Thompson Gale Health and Wellness Database and other health Web sites. Andrea Christian will engage in storytelling and will have her Quadrille group perform for the senior citizens.
St. Thomas Bookmobile Dedication will be held at 9 a.m., at the UVI Golf course.
Saturday, April 19, Florence Williams Library Block Party
10 a.m. – 3 p.m. The public is invited to a block party. King Cross Street between Strand and King Streets will be blocked off for the events. The Virgin Island Pace Runners will kick off the festivities with their 26th Annual 5K Run to the Library beginning at 6 a.m. There will be tours of the library at 10:30 a.m., noon, and 2 p.m. The New Bookmobile will be on hand from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on King Cross Street, as well as a book sale and the V.I. Council on the Arts "Big Read" display table.
Entertainment
11 a.m. – noon—–John Woodson Junior High School Steel Pan Band
Noon -12:30 p.m.—–Sabrosita Cultural Dancers, Pearl B. Larsen Elementary
12:30 – 1 p.m.——Quadrille Dancers from Pearl B. Larsen Elementary School
1 – 3 p.m.——St. Mary's Steel Pan Band
Activities for Children
10 a.m.———–Book readings for children (Children's Room)
10 a.m. – 1 p.m.———-Face Painting and Animal Balloons
Little Theatre
10:30 – 11 a.m.——"Book Worm" (a play) 4th graders from The Good Hope School
1 – 2:30 p.m.—–Panel Discussion "Connecting With Your Library"
Edgar Lake, moderator Writers will be discussing how they have connected with libraries and how the institution fostered the growth of their writing and enhanced their lifelong learning. Guest speakers include Wayne James, George Tyson and Prof. Marvin Williams.
"Poetry @ Your Library" presents a poets' reunion at 7 p.m. – 9 p.m., sponsored by the Friends of the Florence Williams Public Library.
Third Annual Read on the Green at UVI
Feature author/storyteller this year: Wendy Diaz. This activity is a collaboration between school, public and academic libraries: Department of Education St. Thomas-St. John District: Primary Grades Division and Media Library Services, DPNR-DLAM: Enid M. Baa Public Library and the U.V.I. Paiewonsky Library.
For more information, call Enid M. Baa Public Library at 774-0630, or Florence Williams Public Library at 773-5715.
