National Library Week observed

BENTON — "Libraries Transform" has been selected as the theme of National Library Week, which will be observed Sunday through Saturday this week.
First sponsored in 1958, National Library Week is a national observance sponsored by the American Library Association and libraries across the country each April. All types of libraries — school, public, academic and special — participate in the observance.
"It's a time to celebrate the contributions of our nation's libraries and librarians and to promote library use and support," said Benton Public Library Director Susan Stickel. "Today's libraries are not just about what we have for people, but what we do for and with people, how we can help them and how we can benefit them."
Stickel said she is treating the observance as a customer appreciation week.
"We'll still have our Story Time, and other activities, but we won't have anything specifically planned for the week."
Stickel has scheduled an amnesty day for later in the week.
"On Friday, all day, if they bring in a can of food, we will waive their fine," Stickel said. Fines are normally 10 cents per day on books and $1 for DVD's.
"We've got a good selection from children to adults," Stickel said of the DVD collection at the library, which includes over 700 movies. "We have a little bit of everything. We try to keep some of the current ones, as well as some of the older ones."
Stickel added she may have some type of book giveaway on Friday.
"The library is not just about books. It's also just not about what you come in and see because we're able to order. If we don't have a book you want, most likely we're able to get it for you, and fairly quickly. We're able to offer that as a free service just for having your library card," Stickel said.
Stickel encouraged local residents to get library cards this week. Additionally, for those who already have a card, the library is offering centennial cards and key tags for $2 in observance of the library's 100th birthday next month. The cards are free for first-time library patrons. A centennial celebration has been planned from 2 to 4 p.m. on May 21.
On Saturday, April 16, the library will be offering Kindle computer sessions. The training will be offered twice a month beginning on that date.
Library hours are 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays and 1 to 5 p.m. on Sundays.