RIVERSIDE LIBRARIES TO CELEBRATE LIBRARY WEEK

The Riverside Regional Library will kick off National Library Week this week by joining in a new, national, public awareness effort called the Campaign for America's Libraries.

Sponsored by the American Library Association, the multi-year campaign is designed to remind people that today's libraries are dynamic, modern community centers for learning, information and entertainment.

The campaign will increase awareness of the vibrancy and real value of today's libraries.

The public education effort is a response to research that shows that while libraries are popular, they are often taken for granted.

Research also indicated that while libraries are rooted in nearly every community, in schools, campuses and businesses across the country, they are often not visible.

The campaign is designed to showcase public, school, academic and special libraries nationwide.

"Libraries are a part of the American dream," says Nancy Howland, director of the Riverside Regional Library. "They offer opportunities for education and self-help, but they are also changing and dynamic places, on the forefront of the information age." This campaign will tell the exciting story of today's libraries.

Riverside Regional Library has branches in Scott City, Benton, Oran, Perryville and Altenburg.