National Library Week

This week, April 13 - 19, is National Library Week. Begun in 1958 by the American Library Association, this week is a time to a time to celebrate the contributions of our nation's libraries, librarians and library workers.

The concept of the free lending library began in America, most believe in Boston in 1636. Later, Benjamin Franklin operated a lending library in Philadelphia and his personal library became the core of the Philadelphia Public Library. Thomas Jefferson, another voracious reader, donated his private collection to form the Library of Congress.

In Cleveland, the Cleveland Public Library has 28 branches in addition to the main branch on Superior Ave. downtown and maintains over 10 million books, CDs, DVDs, and VCR tapes.

Cleveland Public Library cards are free to Ohio residents and temporary cards are available for visitors planning on staying at least six weeks in the area. If you haven't been to the library lately, pay your local branch a visit. It's a great FREE resource.

^{(image courtesy of the ALA)}