VML Insurance Programs (VMLIP) recognized National Library Week, April 7-13, by spotlighting the Central Rappahannock Regional Library (CRRL), a VMLIP member. National Library Week highlights the valuable role libraries, librarians, and library workers play in our communities.
This year’s theme is Libraries = Strong Communities, a sentiment echoed by CRRL Director Martha Hutzel.
“Libraries have always changed as the world has changed – and as communities change their needs,” said Hutzel.
The CRRL has more than 80,000 electronic books and resources, access to valuable databases, e-audiobooks, e-magazines, and Launchpads for kids. The library also provides meeting rooms, computers, wifi, printing, and lab offerings including 3D printers, drawing screens, robots, coding, and more.
This is in addition to a variety of classes and events held throughout their ten locations. One of the most popular is their summer reading program.
“Our stats show that children and teens who participate in summer reading do better in school,” said Hutzel.
The library is also gearing up to assist the community with the 2020 census. This will be the first year where census forms are no longer on paper and will be 99 percent online.
“The census has been preparing for years and has partnered with the American Library Association for libraries to be a place people can come in and fill out census forms,” said Hutzel. “If you don’t have computer at home [to fill out the census] go to the library – all have access to the internet for you to fill out your census form.”
The library also participates in community gardening, partners with the Library of Congress to offer books for the blind and visually impaired, and offers satellite locations providing access to wifi, computers, printing, books and more to the rural areas they serve.
“We believe in inspiring lifelong learning for everyone in the community,” said Hutzel. “Libraries are a vital place for people to go. We are one of the few places you can go with no entrance free, stay as long as you want, check out all of our materials for free, print for free, get something notarized for free, scan, fax, e-mail and photocopy for no additional charge.”
For more information on National Library Week, visit the American Library Association website.