Secretary of State Laurel M. Lee Encourages Floridians to Visit Libraries during National Library Week

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. –

Secretary of State Laurel M. Lee encourages all Floridians to celebrate National Library Week this week, April 3 – 9, 2022, by visiting their local library in person or online to explore and access services and programs. Florida’s public libraries offer a wide array of programs, classes and resources that are available in person or from the comfort of home.

“I continue to be impressed by the incredible assistance provided by library staff members and volunteers in support of their communities across the state,” said Secretary of State Laurel M. Lee. “Florida libraries are responsive to local needs ensuring programs and services that are relevant.”

First observed in 1958, National Library Week is organized by the American Library Association (ALA) and celebrated in libraries across the country each April. It’s a week to highlight the essential role libraries, librarians and library workers play in transforming lives and strengthening communities. `

The theme for this year’s National Library Week is “Connect with Your Library,” which promotes libraries as places to get connected to technology by using broadband, computers, and other resources. Most importantly, libraries also connect communities to each other.

Libraries across the state make a difference in people’s lives by providing electronic learning resources like online homework help and wi-fi access for students and workers who may lack internet access at home.  Libraries continue to go above and beyond to offer opportunities to connect with media, programs, ideas, and classes. In addition to books, Florida’s libraries provide many non-traditional services like being able to rent fishing poles, cake pans, jumper cables, telescopes, hotspots, bicycles and so much more. You can locate your library and explore their offerings by visiting https://libraryfinder.org/.

During National Library Week, Floridians can show their appreciation and support for their local libraries by visiting their library in person or online, following them on social media and using the hashtag #NationalLibraryWeek.

For more information about National Library Week 2022, visit the American Library Association here: https://www.ala.org/conferencesevents/celebrationweeks/natlibraryweek. For more information about how the Florida Department of State, Division of Library and Information Services assists Florida’s public libraries, visit our website here: https://dos.myflorida.com/library-archives/.

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The Florida Department of State’s Division of Library and Information Services is the designated information resource provider for the Florida Legislature and all state agencies. The Division coordinates and helps fund activities of public libraries; provides a framework for statewide library initiatives; provides archival and records management services; and preserves, collects and makes available the published and unpublished documentary history of the state. Working in partnership with citizens, state employees, librarians, archivists and records managers, the Division seeks to ensure access to materials and information that benefit all of the people of Florida. For more information, visit info.florida.gov.