April 6-12 — National Library Week
“Drawn to the Library” is the theme for this year’s National Library Week, showcasing how people connect with libraries for all sorts of things, from research and studying to fun, discovery, and personal development.
Visit the El Cerrito Library to say hi and tell them you appreciate them! According to their Instagram account, the staff at the library have worked cumulatively 115 years for the Contra Costa County Library! Check out the pictures of the current ECL staff.
National Library Week started in 1958 with “Wake Up and Read!.” The American Library Association (ALA) and American Book Publishers created the National Book Committee, concerned that Americans were choosing radio and TV over reading. Their aim was to get people excited about reading and supporting libraries. Every year since, National Library Week has had a new theme and has been a time to celebrate and support libraries.
Also, keep an eye out for the latest “State of America’s Libraries Report” dropping during National Library Week. You can read past reports here.
April 19 – Earth Day at the Library
El Cerrito Library Foundation board members will do their annual landscape cleanup outside the library. We welcome all help! To join us, please let us know at info@eclibraryfoundation.org.
April 26 — GO GREEN! Mobility Fair
El Cerrito Library Foundation will be at the GO GREEN! Mobility Fair event at the El Cerrito Plaza BART station. With mixed-use housing development construction planned at the El Cerrito Plaza BART station later this year, ECLF supports building a new library at this location. Come learn about all the easy and fun ways to get around at the GO GREEN! Mobility Fair. Join us to find out how our community is transforming streets and neighborhoods into safe spaces, improving air quality, fighting climate change, connecting people, and much more. Stop by ECLF’s table to ask questions about a library at this location!
April 29 — PBS Independent Lens: Free for All – The Public Library
Check out this inspiring story about the revolutionary women who built the U.S. public library system. The documentary shows how today’s librarians are still super protective of these free community spaces, even with threats like funding cuts, closures, and book bans. Featuring local footage, this awesome film premieres on Tuesday, April 29, at 10pm on KQED 9. Stream it on-demand with the PBS App or KQED Passport.
Institute of Museum and Library Services
On March 14th, the Trump administration issued an executive order to eliminate the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS). The IMLS gives out grants, does research, creates policy, and helps libraries and museums come up with new ideas. It also promotes lifelong learning and cultural and civic engagement. As an El Cerrito Library Foundation supporter, you can learn more about this executive order at the American Library Association’s FAQ.