April 8-14 is National Library Week, an annual celebration of the life-changing work of libraries, librarians and library workers. 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. The New Glarus Public Library joins libraries nationwide in celebrating the many ways libraries lead their communities through the services, programs and expertise they offer.

Libraries have long been evolving to meet the needs of the communities they serve. Resources like e-books and technology classes, materials for English-language learners, and programs 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.

"What a great community asset we have in our New Glarus Public Library and staff!" said Linda Hiland, Library Board President. "The Library Board is proud of and appreciates the remarkable services and programming that the staff provides for all patrons, from infant to the most senior, and how they continually look for new ways to engage everyone they serve."

The dedicated and outstanding staff at the New Glarus Public Library include Lauren White, Library Director; Erica Loeffelhotz, Assistant Director; Ignacia Boersma, Children's Librarian; and Rachel Holcomb, Library Assistant. The Library Staff help lead the community by providing programming for school age children during spring break, weekly adult Scrabble games, monthly adult book club, new baby packages for area newborns, weekly Storytimes, Free Play, and Music & Movement for preschoolers, homebound delivery service, a robust local history collection, presentations such as the 'All-American Professional Baseball League' by author Bob Kann, readings by authors such as Elizabeth Berg, showings of popular movies for kids and adults, and special programming throughout the summer, including a Summer Reading Program and traveling shows.

Libraries are no longer 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. As Jerry Deschane, Executive Director of the League of Wisconsin Municipalities, stated in a recent article, "In this dizzy 21st century hyper-plugged-in world the library is one place where it's quiet enough to think clearly. All the latest resources are there if you need them, along with recreational reading, listening, and viewing (and a librarian who knows everything about everything). But along with all that intellectual hardware is something harder to identify but even more important. Libraries are that spot in our communities where we have the space and the solitude to absorb, to contemplate, and to create."

For more information, visit the New Glarus Public Library at 319 2nd Street, New Glarus; call the library at (608) 527-2003; or visit the library's website at newglaruspubliclibrary.org. Library hours are Monday–Friday, 10:00 a.m.-7:00 p.m., or on Saturdays, 10:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m.