Bismarck, North Dakota - News

This week is National Library Week, a time to celebrate the contributions of libraries and librarians, and to promote the use and support of your local libraries.

The American Library Association and libraries across the country have sponsored an annual library week since 1958. In the 1950s, research showed that, similar to today, Americans were spending less on books, and the intent was to encourage people to read more.

Sometimes, people think that libraries are just for children, but today, libraries offer much more than ever before for people of all ages.

Have you ever thought about how the library has impacted your life? Many people have fond memories of walking to the library when they were young, to find an endless sea of books to choose from. They could dive into a book and visit far away lands right there, or take home an enormous stack of books, as heavy as they could manage.

Immigrants have found that libraries are a place to learn about their new country and to meet people. Young mothers and retired people have often found that a library is a place to be with others or to learn on their own. Your local library can continue to be a great resource for learning throughout your life.

Not only can you find books on just about any topic imaginable; you can find out about almost anything. Many people believe that the Internet has replaced the local library for acquisition of information, but the library has something that the Internet does not have: librarians.

Librarians are trained information finders, and they may do a better job than a search engine. Information that comes up in a search engine is often based on popularity and advertising - not accuracy. It can be overwhelming when you put in a search and receive millions of unrelated ideas. There is no quality control because anyone, anywhere, can post anything.

A librarian is trained in picking out credible sources, and libraries are dedicated to being accurate. Librarians are information specialists, which means they sort out data and filter it into valuable, reliable information. They are a part of your community and understand the local area, and they can search out answers to more complex questions.

Other services that libraries provide include workshops on everything, from computer software to gardening. They usually have computers to use for research, word processing and e-mailing.

The Bismarck Public Library also has a fax service, photocopier, income tax forms, a notary, study and conference rooms, and even a typewriter for patrons to use.

In addition to the books libraries have on their shelves, if they do not have the book that you require, they will find it for you and make an interlibrary loan. They carry endless subscriptions to magazines on just about any topic you can imagine. They usually also lend DVDs, CDs and books on tape.

Many business owners have used the library as a valuable resource for the information required to start their business; from information on the type of business they are interested in, to information on how to write a business plan, to lists of suppliers.

Most libraries provide programming for children, including story times and movie nights. The children's librarian can help you find the right book for your child, or resources for their projects. They promote reading and a love for books. The Bismarck Public Library has a plan to build a new children's section, which will meet the needs of children in the area.

Most of us can remember going to a library at some time in the past, but consider "checking out" your local library now. You will be amazed at what you will discover there.

(Pam Krueger, M.Ed., is a freelance writer, Academic Language Therapist, and owner of Every 1 Reading tutoring in Bismarck. Her column appears every other Tuesday. She can be reached at pam@;every1reading.com.)