Senator Farley Announces April 2nd - 8th Is Library Week

State Senator Hugh T. Farley (R,C - Schenectady), Chairman of the Senate Subcommittee on Libraries, said Library Week in New York State this year is April 2nd through April 8th.

"Libraries are a place of lifelong learning," Senator Farley added. "Librarians are truly amazing people. They inspire our youth and invite them into a library where there is an adventure on every shelf."

On April 4th and 5th, exhibits by schools, libraries and the State Library and Archives will be on display at the Legislative Office Building and Empire State Plaza in Albany. Senator Farley also noted that April 4th is National Library Workers' Day. This day highlights the hard work, dedication and expertise of librarians and library support staff.

"Librarians and their staff help the public, and also do a lot of work behind the scenes, such as maintaining the cataloguing system, processing and preparing books and audiovisual formats, shelving books and other mediums. They deserve recognition for their efforts," Senator Farley said.

Senator Farley encourages people to use their local libraries. "Reading is a fun activity that opens the mind to all sorts of adventures," Senator Farley said. "As a former teacher, I try to promote reading and learning as much as possible. Parents have a very important responsibility in their children’s growth and education. Studies have shown that children whose families are involved in their learning become higher achievers and learn more quickly than children whose families are not. It’s a big responsibility, but it’s not difficult to help your children learn. The best way is to encourage them to read. When children see their family members reading, writing and conversing, they naturally want to participate."

Senator Farley said New York State is home to many of the world's finest libraries, with 7,000 institutions offering services ranging from scholarly research to recreational reading. "Take the time in this upcoming week to stop in at your local library and tell the staff how great they are," Senator Farley said.