National Library Week is April 7-13 this year, a time to recognize the many ways in which libraries enrich lives and to highlight the essential role that libraries and library staff play in strengthening communities. First sponsored in 1958, National Library Week is an annual observance by libraries across the country.
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Some of the ways patrons can help the Contra Costa County Library system celebrate include saying “thank you” to library staff on their next visits; advocating more funding for libraries to local elected officials; sharing a love of libraries on social media; or donating to the Library Foundation of Contra Costa.
Also in April is Volunteer Appreciation Week (April 21-27), and Contra Costa libraries will recognize the more than 500 volunteers who generously give their time across our 26 branches and to our adult literacy program, Project Second Chance. Volunteers are an integral part of keeping libraries connected to their communities and running smoothly.
Many ways to volunteer with the libraries are possible, including joining a “friends of the library” group; delivering books to patrons who can’t come to libraries themselves; helping students with homework; and many more. Information about volunteer opportunities is available online at ccclib.org/volunteer.
O’Reilly for public libraries: The library system’s newest digital resource has launched. O’Reilly is a collection of technology and business eBooks, audiobooks, courses, and videos for students, job seekers, entrepreneurs, general learners and beyond.
Users can use it to boost their personal and professional knowledge of topics such as cloud computing, artificial intelligence, programming, cybersecurity, business strategy, marketing and project management. Visit the library system’s Digital Resources webpage at ccclib.org/resources to get started.
April’s library calendar
Guitars Not Guns workshop: 6 p.m. April 1 in the Concord Library. Aspiring rock stars ages 8 to 18 are invited to attend eight exhilarating sessions packed with guitar fun and camaraderie.
Learn essential chords, jam with fellow young musicians and watch your confidence soar. Starting April 1 and running through May 20, this dynamic workshop promises an unforgettable musical journey. Registration is required.
Eclipse orientation: 3:30 p.m. April 2 at the Hercules Library. Get ready for the Great American Eclipse, which occurs April 8.
Students in third through 12th grades are invited to learn about the upcoming solar eclipse with Randall Allen of Night Sky Network. Participants will receive a pair of eclipse glasses (one per person while supplies last) courtesy of StarNet Libraries.
College scholarships: 6:30 p.m. April 8 via Zoom. Over three sessions, Rebecca Lippman will show how college scholarships exist for everyone, regardless of academic merit or personal background. Lippman will walk through the steps to identify, apply for and manage scholarships.
The second session is April 15, and the third is April 22. All sessions will be on Zoom. Please register for each event individually to receive the invite link.
Author Todd Parr: 11 a.m. April 9 via Zoom. Join author Todd Parr as he discusses his books and art in celebration of the Love the World StoryWalk at Small World Park in Pittsburg. The in-person talk is geared to preschoolers and early elementary classrooms but is open to everyone on Zoom.
Sleep, stress health talk: 6 p.m. April 15 in the Danville Library. Uncover the hidden impacts of sleep and stress on health in this lecture with Dr. Krystal Pong. Explore how sleep and stress affect the risk of heart attacks, strokes, obesity, high blood pressure, diabetes, depression, anxiety and more.
Raptors up close: 6:30 p.m. April 16 at the Kensington Library. Join Native Bird Connections for a journey into the world of raptors, also known as birds of prey. Live, nonreleasable raptors, taxidermy and artifacts will be included.
Welcome to Medicare: 6 p.m. April 25 in the Lafayette Library and Learning Center. Presented by the Contra Costa Health Insurance Counseling and Advocacy Program, this in-person introduction to Medicare offers up-to-date and unbiased information about plans and supplements as well as an opportunity to ask the experts questions.
Visit ccclib.org to sign up for a library card and get connected to books and resources. For questions about Contra Costa library services and programming or account information, contact the library system via online chat, email ask@library.cccounty.us or text questions to 925-290-7627.
Brooke Converse is the Contra Costa County Library system’s public information officer and can be reached at brooke.converse@library.cccounty.us.