MASON CITY – The Mason City Public Library joins libraries in schools, campuses and communities nationwide in celebrating National Library Week, a time to highlight the value of libraries, librarians and library workers. First sponsored in 1958, National Library Week is a national observance sponsored by the American Library Association (ALA) and libraries across the country each April.
Libraries today are more than repositories for books and other resources. Libraries are deeply committed to the places where their patrons live, work and study. Libraries are trusted places where everyone in the community can gather to reconnect and reengage with each other to enrich and shape the community and address local issues.
Librarians work with elected officials, small business owners, students and the public at large to discover what their communities needs are and meet them. Whether through offering e-
books and online resources, materials for English-language learners, materials for job seekers or supporting early literacy, librarians listen to the community they serve, and they respond.
The Mason City Public Library offers storytimes and youth activities, summer reading programs
for all ages, free educational programs of interest to the community, and meeting room space
for community groups. Online resources include e-book, audiobook, magazine and music downloads as well as databases that help you repair your car, truck, snowblower or lawnmower.
You can learn a new language, get hobby or home improvement ideas, or research small business
start-ups. You can take tests to prepare for the GED, college entrance or a variety of professions. Internet access stations and wi-fi are available throughout the building and children can play educational games on computers designed for small hands in the Children’s Room.
“Service to the community has always been the focus of the library,” said director Mary Markwalter. “While this aspect has never changed, libraries have grown and evolved in how they provide for the needs of every member of their community.”
The Mason City Public Library is celebrating National Library Week by offering the
public a free introduction to all of the online resources available through the library. You
may choose to attend on Monday, Wednesday or Friday at 10am, on Tuesday at 2pm or on Thursday at 6:30pm. All sessions will be held in the Muse Norris Classroom adjacent to the library Commons. You may bring your internet-enabled laptop, tablet or e-reader. The library will provide a limited number of laptops to use as we explore all you can do through our website. Registration is not required. There will also be drawings Monday through Saturday for a free “Today I’m Reading” coffee mug with a $10 gift coupon to Java Works in the Commons.
For more information, call 641.421.3668, email librarian@mcpl.org or visit the library at 225 2nd St SE.
