Library Week, which highlights the contributions of our nation’s libraries and librarians, was in April. School, public, special, and academic libraries took part.

Sadly, statistics show fewer people are reading books. Unfortunately, that’s been true since the mid-1950s. According to research, the problems in the 50s were radio, television, and music. The 21st-century issue is social media. Both are really the same problem.

To motivate people to support and use libraries, the American Library Association (the ALA) and the American Book Publishers formed a nonprofit organization in 1954 called the National Book Committee (NBC), which plans a yearly National Library Week.

The very first theme for National Library Week was “Wake Up and Read!”

The focus for Library Card sign-up month is “a library card hits all the right notes.”

Books do entertain, teach, and provide escape. And, most importantly, books are FREE at libraries. All you need is a library card.

The library has always been one of my favorite places. My library card is one of my most prized possessions. I love checking out books or downloading eBook editions. I’m currently reading Karen White’s That Carolina Summer.

I also use Libby, the library app, which allows free downloads to Kindle. Check Libby out here: https://www.overdrive.com/apps/libby. Your library card serves as your account.

Do you have a library card?