What about libraries? Well...

     Next week we'll be celebrating National Library Week all across the country.  While placing the displays this week, I learned some interesting facts about libraries.  (That made me think you might like to know about them also.)
     For instance, when I looked up the word "library" in the dictionary, I found that The American Heritage Dictionary gives this description: 1) A place in which literary and artistic materials, such as books, periodicals, newspapers, pamphlets, prints, records, and tapes are kept for reading, reference, or lending; 2) a collection of such materials, especially when systematically arranged; 3) a room in a private home for such a collection; and 4) an institution or foundation maintaining such a collection.   (Now you are thoroughly knowledgeable in what a  library really is!)
     So.  What about the evolution of libraries?  The earliest known library was a collection of clay tablets in Babylonia in the 21st century.  A public library was opened in Boston as early as 1653.  In the U.S., a circulating library, the Library Company of Philadelphia, was chartered in 1732 on the initiative of Benjamin Franklin.  In 1833 the first tax-supported library in the country opened at Peterborough, New Hampshire.  The American Library Association (ALA) was formed in 1876.  And Andrew Carnegie gave more than $65 million for public library buildings in the U.S. alone.  (Now, I have to admit that was an eye-opener for me, especially when the ALA was formed.)
     What about our modern libraries?  These libraries provide patrons with access to books and other materials.  They often publish lists of acquisitions.  They provide interlibrary and intralibrary loan systems, as well as lectures, public book reviews, and story hours.  And many maintain special collections (check out our Odom Genealogical Library's collections).  They use specialized book classification systems such as the Dewey decimal system, Charles Ammi Cutter system, and/or the Library of Congress system.  They also have technological tools at their disposal, such as microphotographic techniques for copying, computer data banks for storing and search information, and electronic networks for instant access of materials in libraries throughout the world.  (Have you noticed on our website's home page the various links we have?)
     There are so many notable libraries in the world that they cannot be listed here.  However, you might want to look online at these famous ones:  Geisel Library in San Diego, CA; Bibliotheque Nationale, Paris, France; British Museum, London, England; Vatican Library in Rome, Italy; Laurentian Library, Florence, Italy; Huntington Library, San Marino, CA; Library of Congress in Washington, DC; and the New York Public Library in New York, NY.  (Many of these libraries offer virtual online tours, which are quite amazing.)
     There are also several sorts of libraries in the U.S. and elsewhere that exist apart from the public and university systems.  Three major categories of these are private libraries, presidential libraries, and industrial libraries.
     And there is a National Library Symbol, which depicts a generic human figure reading a book.  This symbol was originally designed by Ralph E. DeVore for use in the Western Maryland Public Libraries.  The image was officially endorsed at the 1982 Annual Conference of the American Library Association (ALA).  In March 1985, the symbol was accepted by the Federal Highway Administration to use on highway signs to indicate where libraries are located.  It made its first appearance in March 1986.  (They are here in Moultrie also.)
     I hope you found that information as interesting as I did.  It certainly made me realize just how important our libraries are around the world.
     All the more reason to celebrate them during National Library Week, April 8 through 14.  Come see us!!!!