This week, libraries of all types throughout the United States are celebrating the 61st National Library Week (NLW), sponsored by American Library Association (ALA). In 1958, the inaugural celebration featured the timeless theme, “Libraries Lead”.

We embrace this year’s celebration, “Libraries=Strong Communities”, which recognizes the “contributions of our nation’s libraries and librarians” and vigorously promotes library use and support.  According to the ALA, this week “illustrates how today’s libraries are at the heart of our cities, towns, schools and campuses, providing critical resources, programs and expertise. They also provide a public space where all community members, regardless of age, culture or income level, can come together to connect and learn.”

Against the backdrop of National Library Week, we are deeply grateful for our community’s support, and in particular, the NLW proclamation presented last night by the Upper Dublin Board of Commissioners (BOC). It encourages residents to visit their local library this week and every week, and explore all the library has to offer, realizing that literacy is power and that libraries are vital to moving Pennsylvania and our nation forward.

I am also very pleased to share with you that the BOC also took a major step in the development of our future home by awarding contracts for the next stages of library design and construction. Specifically, D’Huy Engineering, Inc., GKO Architects, and CM3 Building Solutions, Inc. were awarded contracts following a rigorous competitive review process.  This means we can now transition to the exciting next phase of civic engagement and hear from the community – directly and in detail – regarding the future library’s visitor experience.

During this National Library Week, it is also appropriate for us to announce our plans to improve library project communications by establishing a dedicated Township webpage and Facebook page, to keep you up to date throughout the rest of the project. Also, you can now receive regular enews updates on the project straight to your inbox. Register here (select Library Project Updates.) Thank you in advance for your participation and  input.

Happy Reading,
Cheri