County library hosts week of events

This week, the Hot Springs County Library joins libraries in schools, campuses and communities nationwide in celebrating the dynamic changes that are happening in today's libraries. April 10-16 is National Library Week, a time to highlight the changing role of libraries, librarians and library workers.

Libraries today are more about what they do, for and with library users as opposed to what they have for patrons. Libraries aren't only a place of quiet study, but also creative and engaging community centers where people can collaborate using new technologies, or just relax. Our library offers access to a variety of print and digital resources, including, Chilton's Online, Novel List and Mango Languages that can be accessed in person or online.

"Service to the community has always been the focus of the library," said Tracey Kinnaman, library director. "Libraries level the playing field for people of any age who are seeking the information and access to technologies that will improve their quality of life."

Libraries are many things to many people. They work with small business owners, community services such as Workforce, students and the public at large to discover and address the needs of their communities. Whether through offering e-books, programs for job seekers or offering a safe haven for kids after school, libraries and librarians listen to the community they serve, and they respond.

The Hot Springs County Library is celebrating National Library Week by offering a dinner and a movie Monday, April 11 beginning at 6 p.m., an open house on Tuesday, April 12 with refreshments served all day, visiting author John Davis who will be speaking on the trial of Tom Horn, Thursday, April 14 at 7 p.m. Also, the library will be waiving overdue fines and offering Banned Books for checkout all week.

First sponsored in 1958, National Library Week is a national observance sponsored by the American Library Association (ALA) and libraries across the country each April.

For more information, visit the Hot Springs County Library at 344 Arapahoe, call 864-3104 or visit them on Facebook. Library hours are M-F 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturdays 10 a.m.-2 p.m.