Our view
By HDN Editorial Board
We at the Havre Daily News wish to extend our thanks and congratulations to all of the staff and supporters of our local libraries during National Library Week, April 1-7.
All of our local libraries offer incredible opportunities to the people in the communities. The people working in the libraries, and those who oversee and support the libraries, work tirelessly to provide the best service and opportunities possible to their patrons, and deserve support, thanks and congratulations.
The libraries offer services that fit the traditional view of libraries, with collections of books, periodicals and more for anyone to use for research, self improvement or just relaxation and recreation. They offer more than that, though.
Along with the newer services libraries provide, such as websites; computerized databases of their collections, including links to other libraries' collections and joined listing of different collections, and access to sites such as the Gale Group's Infotrac, they also provide help and support and programs and services.
Few would be better able to help someone find information on a research topic, or just a book they would like to read or a video they would like to watch, than the staff of a library. They are immersed in the materials and services they provide, and no one knows them better.
The libraries also provide many programs and events, for children and adults, to give the communities access to things they might not have otherwise.
National Library Week 2001 also marks the launch of a new awareness campaign, The Campaign for American Libraries, with the theme "@ your library." The national campaign is intended to show people in libraries' communities that libraries are changing and dynamic, places of opportunity and bring the world to their community.
Take advantage of the opportunities your libraries provide. Using your library is one way to show your support. Don't forget to help in other ways if you can, and always remember to thank the people who make your libraries a reality.
