Aaron Couto will host a series of coffee and cookie conversations in celebration of National Library Week, April 23-29.

“We're asking you to share the connections you've made thanks to your library,” Coutu, director of the Warwick Public Library says in a release. “ Did you find a great book? Get access to computers? Attend a great program or storytime? Did you make new friends at the library’s book club? Tell us by posting to Instagram, Twitter, or on the I Love Libraries Facebook page. Use the hashtags #MyLibrary, #NationalLibraryWeek, and #WarwickPL-RI.”

Coutu is looking to hear from those who use or may not have discovered the multitude of programs offered by the Central Public Library and its three branches.

The first of the conversations will be held  at the Apponaug Branch, Tuesday, April 25 at 2:00 p.m. followed by a conversation Wednesday, April 26 at 6 p.m. at the Norwood branch.

The  Central Library conversation is Friday, April 28 at 10:00 a.m. And the Conimicut Branch will host the fourth conversation at 10 a.m. on Saturday, April 29.

The theme for 2023 library observance is "There's More to the Story."

As Coutu notes, libraries are full of stories in a variety of formats from picture books to large print, audiobooks to ebooks, and more. But there's so much more to the story. Libraries lend items like museum passes, games, musical instruments, and tools. Library programming brings communities together for entertainment, education, and connection through book clubs, storytimes, movie nights, crafting classes, and lectures. Library infrastructure advances communities, providing internet and technology access, literacy skills, and support for businesses, job seekers, and entrepreneurs.

Aaron Couto will host a series of coffee and cookie conversations in celebration of National Library Week, April 23-29.

“We're asking you to share the connections you've made thanks to your library,” Coutu, director of the Warwick Public Library says in a release. “ Did you find a great book? Get access to computers? Attend a great program or storytime? Did you make new friends at the library’s book club? Tell us by posting to Instagram, Twitter, or on the I Love Libraries Facebook page. Use the hashtags #MyLibrary, #NationalLibraryWeek, and #WarwickPL-RI.”

Coutu is looking to hear from those who use or may not have discovered the multitude of programs offered by the Central Public Library and its three branches.

The first of the conversations will be held  at the Apponaug Branch, Tuesday, April 25 at 2:00 p.m. followed by a conversation Wednesday, April 26 at 6 p.m. at the Norwood branch.

The  Central Library conversation is Friday, April 28 at 10:00 a.m. And the Conimicut Branch will host the fourth conversation at 10 a.m. on Saturday, April 29.

The theme for 2023 library observance is "There's More to the Story."

As Coutu notes, libraries are full of stories in a variety of formats from picture books to large print, audiobooks to ebooks, and more. But there's so much more to the story. Libraries lend items like museum passes, games, musical instruments, and tools. Library programming brings communities together for entertainment, education, and connection through book clubs, storytimes, movie nights, crafting classes, and lectures. Library infrastructure advances communities, providing internet and technology access, literacy skills, and support for businesses, job seekers, and entrepreneurs.

First sponsored in 1958, National Library Week is a national observance sponsored by the American Library Association and libraries of all types across the country each April. When National Library Week began, research showed that Americans were spending more money on radios, televisions, and musical instruments than books. The goal of the celebration was to encourage people to read more, which would also lead them to support and use their libraries more. Though the methods, technology, and role of libraries have changed in the past 60 years, our universal goals of building lifelong readers, creating inclusive learning environments, protecting intellectual freedom and privacy, serving a diverse public, and connecting community through engaging programs remain steadfast.