Saturday, April 17, 2010

National Library Week


This week was National Library Week and the honorary chair this year is one of my all time favorite authors Neil Gaiman. I discovered Neil's brilliant writing a long time ago when he wrote comic books and I'm glad that everyone else (who perhaps do not read comic books) has discovered his wondrous stories.

His recent children's book (or young readers as it is called now) The Graveyard Book won the 2009 Newbery award. I LOVED LOVED LOVED this book. Another great book is Coraline, which was made into a fabulous animated movie.

Libraries are such a vital component of our communities and they are even more important during tough economic times. I heard a story recently on NPR about how many people are left out of job and college opportunities and even students cannot complete homework assignments because they don't have a computer and internet access at their home. They rely on computers available at their local public library. Lots of cities and counties are looking for ways to cut their budgets. I am so lucky to live within walking distance my local library and use it all the time to check out books. I make sure that my local government knows how important my local libraries are to me personally and to my community. Budget cut elsewhere not my library!

Well there's my public service announcement for library week.

If you want to learn more about National Library Week check out the ALA website.

For more about Neil Gaimen see his website at www.neilgaiman.com.

5 comments:

dianne said...

you know what's very, very sad? ALL of the cities and counties here have cut back on libraries - not just on hours (and days), but also on brick and mortar - annexes have been shut down and many of us have to drive across town now - just when we need our libraries the most

Unknown said...

I love his books too. Missed you at thimbles.

Cathi said...

I love libraries, have since I was a child. Unfortunately, our closest library is a disaster -- books that are in terrible shape, almost make one want to don surgical gloves before handling them!

*karendianne. said...

Great post! I wasn't aware it was NLW. I love the library. I love my library. There some of the best places ever. Sometimes neglected, which is sad, too. Thanks for sharing about Neil Gaiman. I've heard of him. Now I've heard of him again. That helps makes him noteworthy in my book!

Desiree said...

I heart Neil! :)