Summary

This year marks the 60th Anniversary of National Library Week, which was developed in response to the growing concern that technology was taking away from reading!

Story

Councilmembers are joined by John Sheller, the Government Relations Manager for the King County Library System, after the Council declared April 8-14 as “National Library Week” in King County

Libraries can be large, they can be small, and they can even be on wheels. The one thing they have in common? Books, lots and lots of books!

Today the Metropolitan King County Council joined the King County Library System (KCLS) and libraries across America in proclaiming the week of April 8-14 as “National Library Week” in celebration of the facilities that still play a vital role in educating and entertaining the public.

“The King County Library System plays a vital role in our community and we are honored to recognize National Library Week to show our gratitude and support for their dedication,” said Councilmember Reagan Dunn, sponsor of the recognition.

“Robust public libraries serve as a major asset to our community by providing access to ideas and information for our residents, regardless of class,” said Council Chair Joe McDermott. “Ensuring that access, and the empowerment it provides, is imperative as we continue ensure that King County is a welcoming place where all people can prosper.”

This year marks the 60th Anniversary of National Library Week, which was developed in response to the growing concern that technology was taking away from reading!

“National Library Week is the time set aside each year to celebrate the work of libraries, librarians, and library staff,” said KCLS Director Lisa Rosenblum. “Along with the King County Council, I am pleased to take this opportunity to recognize the important role public libraries have in promoting literacy and connecting communities with ideas and information.”

In the mid 50’s the “new technology” was TV’s and radios instead of computers and video games, but the American Library Association and American Book Publishers wanted to remind people of the joy of going to the library and getting a book. The theme of the first National Library Week in 1958 was "Wake Up and Read!

National Library Week has grown from encouraging people to read in their free time to focusing on developing a “happy life.” Today it celebrates the dozens of the options that are available inside libraries—books, videos, music as well as educational programs.

The King County Library System joins the celebration serving over 1.4 million residents in nearly every part of King County and circulating over 21 million items.

KCLS has served as King County’s rural library district since 1942 and is governed by a seven-member Board of Trustees. Trustees are appointed by the King County Executive and confirmed by the King County Council.

WHEREAS, the King County Library System (KCLS) has served residents of our county for over 75 years; and

WHEREAS, in 2017, KCLS provided service to more than 10 million library visitors and 17 million online visitors, and circulated over 21 million items to county residents; and

WHEREAS, KCLS is focused on listening and responding to the needs of residents by offering programs and services that bring together people from throughout our community; and

WHEREAS, KCLS staff are dedicated to enriching the lives of people of all ages throughout King County by inspiring people through ideas, interaction, and information, and by helping to create a world where knowledge allows diverse communities to prosper and grow; and

WHEREAS, KCLS librarians look beyond their traditional roles to provide transformative opportunities for literacy, education, employment, entrepreneurship, empowerment, and engagement through innovative programming that emphasizes Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Math (STEAM) skills for the 21st century; and

WHEREAS, KCLS provides mobile outreach service to assisted-living facilities, youth, senior and community centers, and other sites to ensure that all members of our community, regardless of who they are or where they live, have access to library resources; and

WHEREAS, librarians, library workers, and supporters across America are celebrating National Library Week during
April 8-14;

NOW, THEREFORE, we, the Metropolitan King County Council, proclaim April 8-14, 2018, as

in King County in recognition of the important role of libraries as a vital resource to communities.

DATED this ninth day of April, 2018.