When I flipped my calendar on April Fool's Day, I had to look twice. April, already? Though some might say we've been living in an eternal winter lately, it still feels like just yesterday that it was Christmas!
With April comes lots of excitement, namely spring -- well, we hope ... -- and National Library Week.
National Library Week is April 13 through April 19. This week is the perfect time to get down to the library and check out some great books, or just say thank you to the volunteers and staff who work so hard to make the library the wonderful place that it is.
National Library Week kicks off with a reception on April 13 to honor long-time volunteers. Make sure that you stop by between 2 p.m. and 3:30 p.m. to have some cake and visit with those people who work behind the scenes to provide your favorite books and events.
Also during the week, we will be displaying some of the library teen's favorite books in honor of Celebrate Teen Literature Day, which is on April 17. The books will be displayed throughout the entire week -- a great way for you to discover some new titles for your bookshelf.
National Library Week is one of my favorite parts of working at the library because it is my opportunity to see just how much difference the library makes in our community. Every week when I volunteer, I see the hard work of those around me up close. I see how faithfully and lovingly Ms. Argie works to keep the library running. I see the little traces of Ms. Joni here and there, reminding me of how much of herself she poured into the library. I see all of the volunteers busy about their tasks, excited to help make the library a better place.
I see these things so very often, over and over again, that sometimes it becomes easy to forget their importance. But during National Library Week, when patrons come in and give a kind word or a smile, thanking the library for what it does, I realize all over again how much this little corner of the world truly does mean to the community.
I love the Bella Vista Library. You've heard me say this again and again, but it never gets old to me. I've grown up here and learned so much from the library. I've learned little things, like how even the smallest tasks -- if they are done well -- can make a difference. My leadership has grown through working at the library. My writing has grown through this little column. My communication skills have strengthened as I work with all kinds of different people each week.
I'm not the same person that I was the first time I walked into the library. And National Library Week is my opportunity to give back and to say thank you to everyone who trained me and gave me new opportunities in my library journey.
You never know how your life may change by walking into the library. National Library Week is a perfect chance to start your adventure.
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Sharon is a teen volunteer and member of the Teen Advisory Board at the Bella Vista Library. She loves to volunteer because working at the library is almost like a job ... but not quite. The opinions expressed in this column don't necessarily reflect the views of the newspaper.
Community on 04/09/2014