This is National Library Week, highlighted annually by the American Library Association. 

This year’s theme is “Drawn to the Library,” which marks the 67th anniversary of the event. National Library Week was created as a celebration highlighting the valuable role libraries, librarians, and other staff play in transforming lives and strengthening communities. The Knoxville Public Library offers a large variety of resources and programs throughout the year. Knoxville Mayor Brian Hatch says the library has become a focal point for the community.

“We are so lucky to have the public library right there right off the square. It’s really kind of a destination. You just look at the building, it’s huge. Not only just for people coming in there for internet use, books, DVD’s, whatever they’re getting, it’s also a community space. We have those beautiful community rooms right in the front and they’re just full all of the time. People are always coming in there and it has just become kind of a focal point.”

The Friends of the Knoxville Public Library group holds a book sale every year during National Library Week, which will kick-off today and last through Saturday. A mayoral reading of a National Library Week Proclamation was read at Monday night’s Knoxville City Council meeting.