The T.B. Scott Free Library joins libraries of all types in celebrating the many ways libraries build strong communities by providing critical resources, programs and expertise. April 7-13, 2019, is National Library Week, an annual celebration highlighting the valuable role libraries, librarians and library workers play in transforming lives and communities. Libraries are at the heart of their cities, towns, schools and campuses. They have public spaces where people of all backgrounds can come together and connect.
“Libraries are social, educational and informational hubs in our communities,” said Laurie Ollhoff, Assistant Director of T.B Scott Library. “They also foster civic engagement by keeping people informed and aware of community events and issues. The T.B. Scott Free Library has been fairly active in that regard and we have hopes of expanding and continuing those efforts.” Library programs encourage community members to meet to discuss civic issues, work together using new technologies, and learn with one another in programs and classes. Library staff also partner with other civic and service organizations to actively engage with the people they serve.
T.B. Scott Free Library helps lead the community by offering programs through the “Words Worth Hearing” series, the Building Merrill Together Initiative, Adult Read Programs, After School Activities for area students, Free online courses through GALE and numerous other activities and resources. From Sunday, April 7 through Saturday, April 13, T.B. Scott Free Library celebrates National Library Week with an opportunity to forgive your fines and give back to the community, along with refreshments on Wednesday, April 10, for all to enjoy.Refreshments: cookies and coffee will be available until gone in the lower lobby.
*Fine Freedom: The library wants Merrill library patrons to have a clean library card. If you have library fines, clear them up and help others in need through the 20th annual Food for Fines event at T.B. Scott Free Library.
*For every dollar of library fines you owe, bring one food item to T.B. Scott Free Library’s circulation desk and your fines will be forgiven, up to $50 of fines for 50 food items. Food donations will be given to the Merrill Community Food Pantry. Fines will still be collected from patrons without food items to donate. While food donations can be applied to fines, they can’t be used to offset lost or damaged material charges.Donation suggestions include: cold cereal, ramen noodles, egg noodles, elbow macaroni, macaroni & cheese, canned fruit, fruit cocktail, corn, spaghetti sauce, kidney beans, pork and beans, Jell-O, powdered milk, sugar, Spam, rice, instant potatoes, crackers and toilet tissue.Please refrain from donating food in glass containers or dented cans, and please do not bring expired or nearly expired items.
Cash or food donations to the Merrill Community Food Pantry are still welcome, even for those who do not owe fines.
Learn more about the library by calling 715-536-7191 or visiting www.tbscottlibrary.org or visit T.B. Scott Free Library on Facebook.