During National Library Week, April 3-9, the Camden Public Library invites community members to “Connect with your library” by visiting in-person or online to enjoy the many programs and services available 7 days a week, all year round.
“I like to say that we’re not just about the books,” said Library Executive Director Nikki Maounis. “We do virtual programming; offer frequent on-site programs; maintain the wonderful Walsh History Center, Camden Amphitheatre, and Harbor Park; provide free Wi-Fi and tech help; host art exhibits; make outreach to classrooms and daycare centers; and continue to meet the high demand for Curbside and Homebound Delivery.”
Daily themes will focus on the Walsh History Center, Staff, Young Readers, Lifelong Learners, and the Parks during Camden’s celebration of National Library Week, which highlights the valuable role that libraries and library workers play in transforming lives and strengthening our communities.
“National Library Week provides the perfect opportunity to stop by in-person or online to more fully enjoy what a truly amazing facility our community has – one of only 85 Five-Star Libraries in the nation,” Maounis said.
Highlights of the week include “What Can Marine Birds Tell Us About the State of the Ocean?” on Tuesday, April 5, at 6:30 p.m. on Zoom, part of the new Center for Wildlife Studies ” Wild Maine” series and Maritime Month. Miss Amy will host three outdoor story times for children, including “Booktime for Babies Outdoor Sing-Along and Story Time” on Young Readers Day, Wednesday, April 6, 10 a.m. (weather permitting). A vintage photography exhibit, “Up River – Selections from the Captain Bill Abbott Collection,” curated by the Penobscot Marine Museum, will be on display in the Picker Room Gallery. Browse the week’s full schedule at librarycamden.org.
To support these types of programs and all-ages outreach, the library needs help to raise more than $46,000 before the fiscal year ends, June 30. Donations will help cover increased operational expenses, like electricity and facility costs, and make up for the loss of Harbor Arts & Books and other major fundraisers.
“Every donation really makes a difference, especially for a library of our size, navigating extraordinary times,” Maounis said. “If you have used any of the library’s services during the pandemic, I hope you will consider giving to our National Library Week fundraising drive. It’s an easy way to express how much #WeLoveCPL and the power of libraries.”
Donations can be made on the library website at librarycamden.org/donate; in-person at the library; or by mail to the “Camden Public Library Fund” at 55 Main St., Camden, ME 04843. For more information, visit librarycamden.org.
