Next week, the Ellinwood School/Community Library joins libraries in schools, campuses and communities nationwide in celebrating National Library Week, a time to highlight the changing role of libraries, librarians and library workers.  
Libraries today are more than warehouses for books. Instead, libraries and librarians are change agents within their communities – transforming lives through innovative educational resources and forward-thinking programming. Libraries are doing their part to close the digital divide and level the playing field by providing free access to information and technologies that many in their communities would be hard pressed to find elsewhere. Libraries help to ensure the American dream and promote democracy by providing service to all regardless of race, ethnicity, creed, age, ability, sexual orientation, gender identity or socio-economic status.  
Librarians work with elected officials, small business owners, students and the public at large to discover and meet the needs of their communities. Whether through offering e-books and technology assistance, programs for job seekers, or offering a safe haven in times of crisis, librarians listen to the community they serve, and they respond.
“The library has always been a place of unlimited possibilities,” said patron, Sharon Gatton. “Whatever your interest or need, the library and the library staff are here to provide you the resources you need to accomplish your goals and dreams.”
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.  
For more information, visit the Ellinwood School/Community Library at 210 N. Schiller, call 620-564-2306 or see the library’s Web site at http://hslibrary.usd355.org/. Libraries hours are Monday - Thursday: 8 a.m. - 7 p.m.; Friday: 8 a.m. - 4 p.m.; Saturday 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.
Sheri Holmes, Director of Library/Media Services, Ellinwood School/Community Libraries