The American Library Association celebrated its 68th annual National Library Week April 19-25. Alongside this, Boone’s libraries found their own ways to participate.

The Watauga County Public Library hosted a variety of events including giveaways, storytimes every morning and an event to celebrate its new conference rooms.

“A big trend now is meeting space, a place where communities can gather,” said Monica Caruso, the county librarian of Watauga County Public Library.

The rooms are a part of the library’s $1.5 million renovation plan. The plan also includes more dedicated workspaces for staff and an expanded circulation desk. 

At App State, Belk Library and Information Commons hosted daily events for National Library Week. The events included scavenger hunts, button making and free snacks and were designed to align with the ALA’s “Find Your Joy” theme for National Library Week.

“I think reading is really important,” said Sophia Rawls, a freshman music industry studies major who works at the first-floor library service desk. “Having a space where that is available is really important and necessary.”  

According to the ALA’s website, National Library Week was started in 1958 by the National Book Committee in response to a national decrease in the popularity of books. A Gallup poll from 1957 found that 17% of adults report reading a book other than the bible in the past year. The campaign had immediate effects in reversing the decrease and has persisted ever since. The ALA took over the program in 1975. 

“Here, in our country, everyone takes public libraries for granted,” Caruso said.

To Caruso, National Library Week is a time to reflect on what public libraries do for the communities they serve. She is particularly proud of the tax assistance the library is able to offer in partnership with App State’s Walker College of Business. 

“A place where individuals have access to books and technology is really important,” Rawls said.