The Library Shelf – Happy National Library Card Signup Month!
Created in 1987 to help celebrate the new school year, the National Library Card Signup Month each September is a great time for us all to be reminded that each of us can hold something of great value in our back pocket, purse or saved on our phones. Something that can open doors to new information, help us learn new skills and ensure access to lifelong learning.
Public libraries have a rich tradition going all the way back to 1731 when Benjamin Franklin created the Library Company of Philadelphia. Initially requiring subscription, it did allow non-members to access the collection for a fee. While not the “Free Library” that we’ve come to know, it is considered the foundation of the modern public library.
Public libraries are one of America’s great traditions. The idea that information is for everyone, not a subset, and that each of us have the power to transform our lives is embedded in the American psyche. The Napa County Library is proud to be a part of this tradition, and we work hard to ensure that we’re providing a service that’s relevant to our residents.
While it’s not uncommon to hear people say, “Why do we still need a library when everything’s online?” Here are some facts and figures that may help shine a light on what public libraries do and why we’re relevant to thousands of people living and working in Napa County.
- Last year, our nearly 50,000 library cardholders checked out more than 650,000 physical items and more than a quarter of a million ebooks, e-audiobooks and e-magazines.
- More than 30,000 people attended more than 1,000 programs throughout our system.
- And throughout the Napa County Library, we had more than 300,000 visits, over 15,000 of those were in Yountville.
A few standout programs in Yountville this September include:
Artful Insights: Avril Angevine’s Art Lecture Series. This popular, ongoing series continues with an overview of Diego Rivera. One of the most successful and influential artists of the 20th century, his murals combined indigenous cultures, Mexican and American history and the American industrial landscape of the mid 1900’s. His wife, Frida Kahlo, whose popularity continues to grow, adds to the enduring interest in his life and work.
- Friday, Sept. 12 from noon to 1p.m.
Hidden Treasures: A Yountville History Adventure. A scavenger hunt with Rebecca Yerger. This program was planned for the summer but had to be rescheduled. With small teams, you’ll enjoy the thrill of the hunt and solving clues while uncovering fascinating historic facts about Yountville.
- Saturday, Sep. 20, from 10 a.m. to 1p.m.
The Yountville and other Napa County Libraries provide a lot of services each year to benefit the public. But we couldn’t do it alone. Each year we have hundreds of people volunteer thousands of hours to help adults and kids learn to read, use a computer, pass the GED, take ESL courses and much more.
We also have dedicated Friends of the Library who help us by accepting book and other material donations, selling them and then giving that money back to the library. The public gives us thousands of books each year and, with that, we’re able to fund programming, outreach activities and more.
We couldn’t do it without the dedicated residents. To learn more, consider attending a Friends of the Library meeting (just call to learn more about when the next meeting will be held) or reach out to learn about how you can volunteer.
The Yountville Library is open Tuesday through Saturday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and can be reached at (707) 944-1888.
To contact the author, Napa County Library Director of Library Services and Community Outreach Anthony Halstead: [email protected]
Questions or suggestions for your Library Commissioner Myrna David: [email protected]
Learn more about Friends of the Yountville Library, send an email to: [email protected]
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