ITTA BENA, Miss.— Mississippi Valley State University’s James H. White Library is joining libraries of all types across the state in celebrating the many ways libraries help build strong communities by providing critical resources, programs and expertise.
April 7-13, 2019, is National Library Week, an annual celebration highlighting the valuable role libraries, librarians and library workers play in transforming lives and communities.
Governor Phil Bryant has issued a Proclamation, declaring April 7-13 as National Library Week in Mississippi. During the observation, Bryant encourages all residents to “visit the library this week and explore what’s new at your library and engage with your librarian.”
“Libraries in Mississippi are the cornerstones of democracy, promoting the free exchange of information and ideas for all,” said David Brown, Chair of the Mississippi Library Association’s National Library Week committee. “They also foster civic engagement by keeping people informed and aware of community events and issues.”
Libraries in Mississippi will be celebrating National Library Week by hosting events and classes for all ages, showcasing new materials and displays, debuting new services, and much more.
Locally, MVSU’s James H. White Library will be conducting activities during the week of April 7 through April 13 to showcase ways in which libraries strengthen their communities (Libraries = Strong Communities).
“Libraries are at the heart of their cities, towns, schools and campuses. They have public spaces where people of all backgrounds can come together and connect,” said MVSU Director of Library Services Mantra Henderson. “Library programs encourage community members to meet to discuss civic issues, work together using new technologies, and to learn alongside one another in classes and programs. Library staff also partner with other civic and service organizations to actively engage with the people they serve, always striving to make sure their community’s core needs are being met.”
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.
MVSU’s Library hours are Monday – Thursday, 7:30 a.m. – 10 p.m.; Friday 7:30 a.m. – 7 p.m.; Saturday 10 a.m.-4 p.m.; and Sunday 2 p.m. – 10 p.m.
For more information, visit www.mvsu.edu/library or call (662) 254-3494.