‘Communities thrive @ the WCPL’ is theme of National Library Week

Late fines? Double your payments April 11-17


The theme of National Library Week April 11-17 is “Communities thrive @ your library” and the Wells County Public Library invites everyone to join in the celebration.

In this tough economy, conversations are too often filled with gloomy financial clichés: “between a rock and a hard place”; “two steps forward and three steps back”; “living on a shoestring”.

So there has never been a better time to recognize and celebrate all the ways that libraries strengthen and support their communities. From education to entertainment and studying to socializing, the library is an energizing hub of activity for kids, teens, adults, businesses and organizations throughout Wells County.

That isn’t just the WCPL tooting its own horn.

To highlight the library during National Library Week, several local individuals, businesses and groups generously penned letters to highlight how the WCPL helps them thrive. Here are just a few of their comments:

“Our staff recently attended the Every Child Read to Read workshop presented by the library staff and often refer our families to the Wee Read and Toddler Time programs for not only exposure to books but also for socialization with other children. We recently became aware of the GED preparation classes offered at the library and have already had some of our families sign up. The WCPL is a valuable resource to our families.” – Healthy Families of Family Centered Services

“The Teen Court participants complete their community service requirements at the library and the Mentoring Moms Program staff takes advantage of the many resources the library provides to families with young children. The WCPL is also one of the 37 Save Place locations in Wells County. We truly appreciate the library; a valuable and FREE resource in our community!” – Family Centered Services

“The WCPL staff’s outstanding, kind and courteous assistance keeps Franklin Electric coming back, particularly when it is necessary to have business meetings offsite from our facility. The quality of the meeting rooms is of the highest standards and nothing but high compliments and praise come from the attendees.” – Sheri Harrison, Franklin Electric co., Inc.

“The WCPL has not only provided the space to accommodate Wells County Dept of Child Services foster parents with ongoing training but has the technology to meet our on-going training needs. We express our gratitude to those who make utilizing the building possible, not only to the library staff but the tax payers who fund the building and its services.” – Dona Kinkle, Foster Care Services

“We appreciate the WCPL. Carolyn Gilbert brings books of interest directly to our residents’ rooms and keeps our facility library stocked with books that appeal to a wide variety of readers. I also use the library weekly to obtain our “Movie of the Week” videos and never have trouble finding films my residents will enjoy watching. Thank you for all you do.” – Karen Isch, Christian Care Retirement Community

“We enjoy partnering with the WCPL for our Senior Exploration Program. They assist by offering Computer 101 classes which teach grandparents how to stay in touch with their families. We have also worked together on a project for recycling to make our community more aware and hopefully cleaner. Like we say in the parks and recreation field…the benefits are endless!” – Pam Vanderkolk, Bluffton Parks & Recreation Dept.

Share your own message of how the WCPL helps you grow and thrive during National Library Week. Stop by and write down your story on a “Communities thriving” form or email a short letter to dperry@wellscolibrary.org. Letters will be on display April 11-17 at the main library.

Other celebrations during National Library Week include flower seed give-a-ways to patrons checking out materials and a special invitation to join the Friends of the Library.

Also, double your money during National Library Week. If you have unpaid library fines, any amount paid on your fine from April 11-17 is doubled! $2 = $4; $4 = $8; $8 = $16; $16 = $32. This double your money bargain will not come again in 2010. Help the library AND yourself with this great deal.

For more information about National Library Week at the Wells County Public Library call 260-824-1612 or visit www.wellscolibrary.org