From staff reports
April 3-9 is National Library Week and Clarion County has five reasons to celebrate with libraries in Clarion, Foxburg, Knox, New Bethlehem and Rimersburg.
According to the American Library Association, first sponsored in 1958, National Library Week is observed in libraries across the country each April.
All types of libraries — school, public, academic and special — participate.
Clarion County proclamation
The Clarion County Board of Commissioners recently issued the following proclamation:
Whereas, today’s libraries are more about what they can do with and for their communities and not just about what they have on the shelves;
Whereas, libraries have long served as trusted institutions, often the heart of their cities, towns, schools, and academic campuses;
Whereas, libraries serve people of all ages, interests and backgrounds providing the resources and space to engage in life-long learning;
Whereas, libraries offer equipment and professional staff support to utilize technology, programs and services; often free or with nominal charges to users;
Whereas, libraries are a resource for all – regardless of race, ethnicity, creed, ability, sexual orientation, gender identity or socio-economic status;
Whereas, we recognize librarians as information professionals who provide expertise, services and guidance for patrons to access credible sources and material, making their own informed decisions about the world today;
Whereas, libraries provide access to and display a wide range of information not just a majority opinion or single perspective;
Whereas, librarians hold the professional values of diversity, equity and inclusion to meet the needs of all users;
Whereas, the PA Forward, Literacy is POWER, initiative highlights how libraries and staffs encourage literacy in basic, information, civic and social, health, and financial, which contributes to greater personal and community success;
Whereas, America is celebrating National Library Week including April 5 as National Library Workers’ Day and the immeasurable contributions made by library workers; April 6 as National Outreach Day showing library services are not limited to their physical location; and April 7 as Take Action for Libraries Day encouraging community support for libraries;
Now, therefore, be it resolved that we, the Clarion County Board of Commissioners proclaim National Library Week, April 3 through 9 in Clarion County. During this week, we encourage all residents to visit our libraries, and explore all that they offer to help move PA Forward.