National Library Week Kicks Off at Nazareth Memorial Library

National Library Week began yesterday at the , and will run through Saturday, April 16.

National Library Week is a week of awareness created to promote libraries around the country, and to recognize the contributions made by library staff and Friends organizations. The celebration began in 1958, and is annually sponsored by the American Library Association. This year’s national theme is “Create Your Own Story @ Your Library.”

The Nazareth Memorial Library is a shared resource by Nazareth and the townships of Upper Nazareth, Lower Nazareth and Bushkill. The library boasts an approximate across the four communities.

Here’s an outline of what the library has to offer this week:

Today from 3 p.m. - 3:45 p.m., it will be a Messy Monday, which is actually held the second Monday of the month from January to May. Parents and children are welcome to drop in and participate in this do-it-yourself craft program. Featured crafts have seasonal themes; April’s craft is springtime-oriented.

Tuesday, from 4 p.m. to 4:30 p.m., a Reception for Young Authors will be held. Since Feb. 7, the library has been holding its Annual Writing Contest for young authors. Children grades K through 12 submitted original written works that were at least 12 pages in length.

Winners will be chosen from four categories; grades K-2, 3-5, 6-8, and 9-12. The winners will be announced at the reception. Two copies of each book will be professionally bound; one copy will be given to the young author, and the second will be added to the library’s catalogue.

Also on Tuesday, a program called "Julia Says: Bon Appetit!" will be held from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. Actress Linda Kenyon stars in this one-woman act as world-renowned chef Julia Childs. She’ll discuss her childhood, adventures in World War II, and learning to cook French cuisine, all in the character of Julia Childs.

“Linda is a very talented actress,” said library director Lynn Snodgrass-Pilla. “We’ve had single-actor programs in the past that were very successful. We’re all looking forward to this one.”

Please call ahead for reservations to attend this event: (610) 759-4932

National Library Workers Day is Tuesday. This is a day to recognize the work and contributions made by all library staff, administrators and volunteers.

Be sure to thank your local library workers for all they’ve done over the year!

Wednesday, from 6:30 p.m. to 7:15 p.m., Pennsylvania One Book will be held. This event for children and families will feature the book “Whose Shoes?” by Pennsylvania author Stephen Swinburne. All activities, stories and songs will feature a shoe theme.

“We’ll have people in big clown shoes, so it’ll be a lot of fun for everyone,” Snodgrass-Pilla said.

There is a 30 person limit for this event, so be sure to register ahead of time.

* All of these events will be held in the Fraunfelder room.

Happy National Library Week to all!