Reception honors Du Quoin Public Library staff and trustees

Friends of the Du Quoin Public Library Tuesday held a reception for trustees and staff members--past and present--and are sharing ways individuals can celebrate what libraries have to offer.

The National Library Week observance runs through Saturday and includes the remaining activities:

• "Teen Literature Day" - Beginning Thursday, April 18, teenage patrons may write the name of a favorite book title and enter it in a drawing to be held on Saturday for five prizes. A display will be featured the next week on the submitted book titles.

• "Bring a Friend or Family Member to the Library Day" - Friday, April 19, patrons may enjoy visiting the library throughout the day and seeing all the items available for viewing or checking out - Sign up for a library card, if you don't already have one.

• "Children's Reading Hour" - Celebrate Dr. Seuss and upcoming Earth Day on Saturday, April 20 at 2 p.m. at a story hour, with a variety of activities, stories, refreshments and prizes.

Here are some of the ways to use this valuable resource.

Head to your local library. Your first step in celebrating? Head down to your library to pick up a book, get some peace and quiet or find help with research.

Have a book buffet. If you can gorge yourself on food, why not books too? Check out books at the library and spend the whole day looking through and reading them.

Do the math and see just how much your library has saved you by not having to buy books, movies, magazines and more.

Study. The library is the perfect place to have the quiet, distraction-free study you need.

Sew your own book bag.

Learn about something new. How many times have you wondered about something but never bothered to look it up?

Just enjoy a day at the library. Clear your schedule and relax at your local library for a day.

Take advantage of the free wifi. Libraries are great places to plug in and sign on to the web.

Download an e-book or audio book. Many libraries now offer free digital book checkouts online.

Check out a picture book.

Find an old or new favorite movie. Check out your library's collection of DVDs to see movies new and old.

Get help with your resume.

Take advantage of interlibrary loans.

Take advantage of library celebrations.

Thank a librarian. It's a simple and effective way to show them that you care about and appreciate the work that they do.

Ask questions. Librarians are there to help you, so take advantage of their knowledge.

Write a letter. Did a librarian make a difference in your life? Write him or her a letter of thanks.

Read a story to someone.

Meet a friend. Libraries aren't just places to get books but can be great places to meet a friend, study with a group and spend time with the family.

Bring someone new to a library.

Volunteer at a library.

Tweet it. Get the word out about the benefits of libraries.

Get someone to sign up for a library card.

Share a book.

Like it on Facebook. The ALA, National Library Week, Librarian Appreciation programs and more all have Facebook sites.

Enjoy a community program at your library.

Make a donation. Libraries can always use your financial help.