Today’s libraries are modern community centers where everyone is invited to explore, dream and learn. People of all ages and backgrounds find entertainment, develop skills and come to find their place in the community. Join us for these free educational and cultural programs as we celebrate together.

National Library Week is an annual celebration of the contributions of our nation's libraries and librarians.

The Friends of the Library Present:

Howard Greenblatt: Classical and Flamenco Guitar

Musical performances are a fabulous way of bringing the community together with their appeal to people of all ages and backgrounds. Guitarist Howard Greenblatt, a local favorite, shares his passion for the lively sounds of flamenco and classical works from the Renaissance through today. Greenblatt has played throughout the Eastern United States, Canada, and England, including a concert at New York’s Carnegie Recital Hall which the “New York Times” reviewed as “first rate.” This free one-hour concert is sponsored by the Friends of the Library. Call the location of your choice for preregistration and/or ticket information.

Full story here.

Wed., April 14, 1:30 p.m.
West Boynton Branch
9451 Jog Rd., Boynton Beach
Phone: 734-5556

Fri., April 16, 2:00 p.m.
West Boca Branch
18685 State Road 7, Boca Raton
Phone: 470-1600

Sat., April 17, 2:00 p.m.
Royal Palm Beach Branch
500 Civic Center Way, Royal Palm Beach
Phone: 790-6030

Sun., April 18, 2:00 p.m.
Main Library
3650 Summit Blvd., West Palm Beach
Phone: 233-2600

Discover Hidden Treasures at the Library and You Could Win a Sony E-reader

When: April 10-17 during library hours OR 24 hours a day for online treasures!
Who: Libraries in Palm Beach County (public, academic, special, and school)
What: The Great Palm Beach County Library Treasure Hunt
Where: Every library in Palm Beach County (visit virtually or in person)

Join the Palm Beach County Library Association (PBCLA) and explore the treasures hidden within the more than 60 libraries in our county during “The Great Palm Beach County Libraries Treasure Hunt,” which will be held April 10-17, 2010. The Hunt is open to the entire community and is a fun and challenging way to learn about some of the things that make each library in the county unique. Participants will receive a list of clues and will have to visit libraries and school media centers either in person or online to find a treasure at each location. The participant discovering the most treasures will win the grand prize of a Sony E-reader digital book. 

Full story here.

National Bookmobile Day Poetry Contest Winners

As part of National Library Week, Wednesday, April 14, 2010 is the first-ever national Bookmobile Day, a time to honor the contributions of mobile library services in the United States. For over 100 years, bookmobiles have provided access to information and technology and supply resources for life-long learning to Americans of all walks of life, no matter where they are – rural areas, cities, or suburbs.

The Palm Beach County Library System asked children and adults to help us celebrate by writing a poem (in 100 words or less) that includes the word Bookmobile. The winners received a $25 gift certificate to Barnes & Noble Booksellers.

Read the winning poems here.

Above: At the Board of County Commissioners meeting on April 6, 2010, Commissioner Burt Aaronson (center) presented a proclamation to Library Advisory Board Chair Ellen Winikoff (left) and Library Director John Callahan (right) declaring April 10 to 17, 2010 as “National Library Week” in Palm Beach County.

• April is School Library Month

• Monday, April 12 - "The State of America's Libraries" report will be released.

• Tuesday, April 13 - Celebrate ALA-APA's National Library Workers Day

• Wednesday, April 14 - Celebrate the first annual National Bookmobile Day

• Wednesday, April 14- ALA’s Office for Intellectual Freedom will release the “Top 10 Most Challenged Books of 2009” list. Visit the Banned Books Week Web site.

• Thursday, April 15 - Celebrate YALSA's Support Teen Literature Day