National Library Week will be observed at the Concord Public Library April 11-17 with the theme “Communities thrive @ your library.” First sponsored in 1958, National Library Week is an annual observance sponsored by the American Library Association and libraries across the country. It is a time to remind the public about the contribution libraries, librarians and library workers make to their communities every day. All types of libraries – school, public, academic and special – participate.
In today’s tough economy, libraries offer free resources to help people find jobs and learn new skills. People of all ages and backgrounds find entertainment, develop skills and come to find their place in the community. People gather for book discussions, for storytime with their children, for special programs or to volunteer. Our library helps the community thrive.
What makes the library unique is access to trained professionals – librarians – to help people find and interpret the information they need to make a difference in their lives. Our libraries also help keep us connected, providing a space for people of all ages, classes and races to come together, while keeping us connected to events and people around the world.
Here are some of the events happening at the Concord Public Library during National Library Week:
Sunday, April 11
“Science Magic,” 2 p.m. in the auditorium: This family program, presented by Boston’s Museum of Science, will investigate the science behind the “magic” of several classic magic tricks. Sponsored by the Concord Public Library Foundation.
Monday, April 12
“Songs of Old New Hampshire,” 7 p.m. in the auditorium: Musician Jeff Warner will entertain with traditional songs from the lumber camps, sailing ships and textile mills of 18th and 19th century New Hampshire. Sponsored by the New Hampshire Humanities Council and the Concord Public Library Foundation.
Tuesday, April 13
Book discussion, 7 p.m. in the auditorium: Dartmouth professor Suzanne Brown will lead a discussion of “West with the Night” by Beryl Markham. Sponsored by the New Hampshire Humanities Council and the Concord Public Library Foundation.
Wednesday, April 14
Public coffee, 9-11 a.m. on the main floor: The Concord Public Library Foundation will offer free coffee and treats to the public.
Shoestring puppets, 10 a.m. in the auditorium: Concord Public Library’s own shoestring puppets will appear during family storytime.
Thursday, April 15
Flute music, 2-2:30 p.m. in the periodical room: Edna Marie Griffin will offer a selection of flute music.
Paws for Pages, 3:30-5 p.m. in the children’s room: Lily, a certified therapy dog, will be available to listen as children read.
Friday, April 16
Volunteer Day, 10-11:30 a.m. in the Ruth May Room and the auditorium: Help the library with some quick and easy tasks, meet new people, and learn more about the library’s other volunteer opportunities.
“Gardening Basics: Vegetables,” 12:10-1 p.m. in the auditorium: Master Gardener James Ramanek Jr. will give a presentation on the hows and whys of vegetable gardening. Feel free to bring your own bag lunch. Sponsored by the University of New Hampshire Cooperative Extension and the Concord Public Library Foundation.
Saturday, April 17
“Building Community: A Family Lego Event,” 10 a.m.-noon in the auditorium: The library invites families to work together to build our own community – with Legos!
Penacook Branch Used Book Sale, 9–11:30 a.m.: The Friends of the Penacook Branch Library, 3 Merrimack St. in Penacook, will be selling used books – bargains for young and old alike!
Monday, April 19
Poetry Reading, 7 p.m. in the auditorium: Members of the Stone Bridge Poetry Project will read selections of their poetry.
For more information, visit concordpubliclibrary.net or call 225-8670. All programs are free and open to the public.
