A National Library Week guest editorial from State Superintendent Tony Evers

Celebrating National Library Week: April 10-16

The 2016 observance of National Library Week is of special significance in Wisconsin. It marks the 50th

anniversary of public libraries joining school libraries in receiving support through the Wisconsin Department of

Those first years of the late 1960s were spent working with the Wisconsin Library Association to develop

legislation for the state-supported regional library systems. The goal was coordinated regional service to member

public libraries and their patrons. Today, the department and library community are working together to review and

revise public library system services so the systems continue their valuable contributions for decades to come.

Our work in Wisconsin fits with the national theme for the April 10-16 observance: Libraries Transform.

We are updating our regional library systems for the future and our local libraries are continually adapting to better

serve their communities: transforming lives through literacy programs, employment support, technology training,

and so many other activities for individuals, families, and groups.

Libraries today are as much about what they do as they are about providing books, resources, and

information to their patrons. Libraries strengthen college and career readiness and are a key asset in our efforts to

close the achievement gap. Libraries have expanded beyond being places of quiet study to encompass the role of

creative and engaging community centers where people can collaborate using new technologies.

Libraries are many things to many people. Librarians work with professionals, parents, elected officials,

small-business owners, students, and the public to discover and address the needs of their communities. Whether

through offering e-books or technology classes, materials for English-language learners or early literacy activities

for preschoolers, programs for job-seekers or a safe haven in times of crisis, libraries and librarians listen and

respond to the communities they serve.

During the April 10-16 observance of National Library Week let’s celebrate the varied roles of libraries and

professional library staff. Visit your favorite library and let it transform your life.