Tea for Library Week

There's more to the story. That's the theme for National Library Week, to be observed by the Eddy-New Rockford Public Library board and staff on April 23-29.

Celebrated since 1958, National Library Week was started at a time when the American Library Association wanted to promote libraries and book reading in an age of technological advancements.

Today, the country's libraries have largely embraced the advancements many once feared, but National Library Week still stands as a time to celebrate everything libraries do for their communities.

To mark the occasion, librarian Susie Sharp is bringing back an old tradition: a library tea, to be held on Thursday, April 27 from 4-6 p.m.

The library board will be there serving up plenty of tea, coffee, hot chocolate and goodies. Door prizes will also be given away, including metal pins, tote bags, socks and book lights. Sharp invites anyone who wants to enjoy a relaxing environment and recognize the great services provided by the Eddy-New Rockford Public Library.

"We haven't had the tea in a few years so it's nice to be able to have it again," said Sharp.

National Library Week isn't all the local library has cause to celebrate, however.

On Thursday, March 27, the Lions Club of New Rockford donated $10,000 to the library, and Sharp said she can't wait to put it to good use.

"We're going to revamp our children's section," said Sharp. "We'd like to get some furniture more geared toward kids and kind of a play area. I'm kind of looking at tactile toys as well.

"We used to have legos and things in the back before 2020, and they haven't been put back out," she added. "So instead of putting those old toys back out, we'd like to do something new and fresh."

Sharp said she also received a $2,000 grant from the North Dakota Library Coordinating Council, which she's using to bring in new large-print books and young adult titles.

The library also has some exciting plans for this summer. The summer reading program is scheduled to begin the first week of June, and this years' theme is "All Together Now." Sharp said participants can look forward to a few team-building games when the program kicks off.

"We're really excited for summer," said Sharp. "We're going to be partnering with some other entities in town to come and do some programs, like 4-H is going to come and do some textile craft projects. So we're looking forward to doing a few more things this summer."

Meanwhile, Sharp is also inviting anyone interested to participate in their book club, and added that she recently won 10 books for everyone in the club. The book club's next meeting is the second Thursday in June. To find out more simply stop by or call (701) 947-5540.

Those interested can also call about utilizing the library's office room, which seats up to 12 and can be reserved.

The library also offers public computers, movies, e-books and audiobooks. Sharp noted that the OverDrive reading app is being terminated on May 1, and recommended the new Libby app for those interested in the library's online content, which comes free with a library card.

With so many fantastic services and book selections – which include some of the very latest and most popular releases – it's easy to see how the local library has such a positive impact on our communities.