Dear Library Friends!

We are in the midst of National Library Week (April 23-29)! This week, let us all revel in the wonder of our Public Library System – that public institution that Andrew Carnegie called the single, greatest cradle of Democracy on the face of the Earth. 

Throughout the week, the American Library Association is organizing “Celebration Days,” each day highlighting an important aspect of librarianship for year 2023. Allow me a moment to explain why each day is so well chosen this year for the purpose of illuminating the state of American Libraries:

Monday, April 24: Right to Read Day. This kickoff to National Library Week highlights an issue most crucial to Americans and Libraries in this era of increased book censorship in both public schools and libraries. Increasingly, non-professionals are deciding which materials are appropriate for the education of all children, based upon their own increasingly-narrow social views. 2022 saw a record number of books banned from schools and libraries. Please follow the link above for the full story. It makes for wonderful reading! Celebrate the First Amendment! 

Tuesday, April 25: National Library Workers Day. This second day in the week is the celebration most dear to my heart. Librarianship is one of those professions that once taken on becomes a central, defining force in one’s life. It becomes part of one’s identity – how one will be remembered. Much like teaching, librarianship is a noble profession, the defining characteristic of which is sacrifice. Self-sacrifice. Librarians never become rich, never become government leaders, or reap the benefits of fame. Librarians are the ones that show our fellow citizens the path forward toward these rewards, these important positions of leadership, status, and a happy and fulfilled life. Librarians light the path forward for others to follow. The number of our country’s leaders, artists, writers, and thinkers that credit a public library with nourishing their ambitions is legion. 

I love being a librarian and take immense satisfaction and pride in the work as do all my library colleagues. And I love my fellow librarians at the Delray Beach Public Library. I see their commitment and heartfelt sacrifice every day. Co-workers! This day is for you! 

Wednesday, April 26: National Library Outreach Day. This day celebrates the rich tradition of America’s public libraries venturing out into communities, delivering books and services to patrons that have trouble traveling to their local library. Often these troubles are geographic or financial. From the Pack Horse Library Project of the Great Depression, which sent librarians on horseback delivering books to rural communities in Appalachian Kentucky, to the modern Bookmobile, American librarians have always been eager to find a way to light the path for hungry minds. The Delray Beach Public Library grandly carries on this tradition with our own Library on the Go Golf Cart! 

Thursday, April 27: Take Action for Libraries Day. If you are unhappy with the increase in book censorship in our schools and public libraries as I am, this is the day to step forward and let your voice be heard. If no one speaks to defend our Right to Read, we will eventually lose that right and with it the heart of the First Amendment. This day is the time to push back, to speak out, to declare your love of free speech and a free and independent public library. Please join me on this day - go to the page above-linked wherein you will find strategies for adding your name and voice to the cause! 

I urge everyone who loves libraries to visit the American Library Association page celebrating this glorious week. As this year’s theme declares “There’s More to the Story!” 

And finally, please read the American Library Association report  “The State of American Libraries 2023.” This year, perhaps more than any other year in my 29-year career in public libraries, I consider this annual report from the ALA essential reading for every American. 

If anyone has any questions or concerns, please let me know.

And, as always, be safe, well-read, and happy.

Mykal Banta, Executive Director
Delray Beach Public Library
561-266-9488
[email protected]

EVENTS
Instagram - @delraylibrarychildrens
Children's Department - [email protected]

Hooray, it’s National Library Week! This is a special time to celebrate our nation's libraries, library workers' contributions and promote library use and support. National Library Week 2023 theme is "There's More to the Story," to highlight the fact that in addition to the amazing array of books offered in our physical and digital collections, libraries offer so much more! Stop by to check out DVDs, Curiosity backpack kits, STEM backpack kits, Wonderbooks and Launchpads. Or register for our unique programs each month to enrich your children’s learning as they make new friends outside of the classroom! Stay tuned for information about our dynamic, 7-week long Summer Leadership Academy (SLA) events and program and SLA Summer Reading soon to launch!

Click Here to view the Delray Beach Public Library 'The Next Chapter' Newsletter - April 25, 2023