(Atlantic, Iowa) – This week (April 3-9), is National Library Week, and the Atlantic Public Library encourages all community members to visit the library in person or online to explore and access services and programs. The library offers a wide array of programs, classes and resources that are available in person or from the comfort of home, including downloadable e-books, audiobooks, and magazines as well as online homework help.

National Library Week, is a time to highlight the essential role libraries, librarians and library workers play in transforming lives and strengthening communities. The theme for this year’s National Library Week is “Connect with Your Library,” which promotes the idea that libraries are places to get connected to technology, media, programs, ideas and classes, in addition to books. Most importantly, libraries also connect communities to each other.

As demonstrated through the pandemic, libraries of all types go above and beyond to keep their communities connected by expanding their programming, resources and collections. Libraries across the country are making a difference in people’s lives by providing electronic learning resources like online homework help and wi-fi access for students and workers who may lack internet access at home. Atlantic Public Library Director Michelle Andersen says the Library is supporting the local community with services such as VIP Connections, a social club for adults every Tuesday morning, and online resources like Brainfuse, Creativebug, and Ancestry.com.

Events happening during National Library Week include:

• Holy Vulnerability, faith-based book group, today (Monday) at noon
• VIP Connections, a weekly social club that meets every Tuesday 10 am to Noon
• Magic the Gathering casual play on Tuesday 4-6 pm (continues on the first and third Tuesday of each month)
• Knitting Group Wednesday at 10 am (regularly meets on the first Wednesday of each month)
• Toddler Time, a weekly story time for young children, on Thursday at 10 am
• Lessons of the Holocaust program Thursday at 6 pm
• Community Shred Day, a drive-through shred service for personal papers, on Saturday 9-11 am

First sponsored in 1958, National Library Week is a national observance sponsored by the American Library Association and libraries of all types across the country each April. For more information, visit the library’s website at www.atlantic.lib.ia.us or visit the Atlantic Public Library’s Facebook page. The Atlantic Public Library connects the community to information, resources, and each other in order to spark ideas and new connections.