The first library I can remember going to was the public library when I was about eight years old. I can still remember my excitement in exploring the children’s section (and everywhere else I could find). I’d look for some of my favorite characters like the Boxcar Children or Encyclopedia Brown to try and solve their mysteries. I found fairy tales and books on animals and plants, space, and the earth. I would ride bike there after school or on a Saturday to spend quiet moments reading or looking at the latest art or exhibit on display. I am grateful that the library has always been a welcoming place to me. In high school, I spent a semester helping my high school librarian during a free study period. At college, I spent many hours studying and writing papers and essays in the university library’s study rooms and quiet corners. Now I’m grateful that I can bring my children to the library and see the happiness and wonder that I grew up with all over again.

Sunday marks the start of National Library Week! First celebrated in 1958, National Library Week is a week set aside each year in April to “celebrate our nation’s libraries, library workers’ contributions and promote library use and support.” It’s a time where we are excited to hear from you about how we are doing as a library and what the library means to you. This year’s theme for National Library Week is “There’s More to the Story”. Here’s what you can look forward to at the library as we celebrate this week.

Throughout this week, we will have half sheet forms at the circulation desk to share your library story. Do you have a favorite library memory? Do you remember your first trip to the library? What is your favorite thing to do at the library? What has been your favorite program the library has done? You can write just two or three sentences about any one of these topics, or you could share what you like most about the library or maybe a meaningful interaction you had with another patron or staff member. Just respond to the prompt on the front of the form and put your information on the back and check the box for if you would like us to share your story with the community at the library and on our social media. When you share your story with us, you’ll be entered to win a randomly drawn prize of either a library tote bag or a storytelling game! We’re grateful to The Friends of the New Ulm Public Library for sponsoring the prizes. There will be nine prize drawings but only one winner is allowed per household.

The library will also be showing a classic children’s movie about a boy who finds his courage at the library by overcoming three challenges. Come by the Children’s Room at 4 p.m. on Friday, April 28 to watch the movie and even stay a bit past closing time. Refreshments will also be served courtesy of The Friends of the New Ulm Public Library.

We hope you’ll participate in the great activities we have planned for the coming week, and that you will continue to have and make good memories with us here. The library is located at 17 N. Broadway and is open to the public Monday to Thursday 9:30 a.m.-8 p.m. and Friday and Saturday 9:30 a.m.-5 p.m.