April is a big month in the world of libraries. This month we have a week dedicated just to libraries — National Library Week, which will be recognized April 14-20 at your local library. The American Library Association first began recognizing National Library Week in 1958 and libraries across the country commemorate the week with displays, programs and by handing out special bookmarks for the occasion, among other things.

This year the libraries throughout Baldwin County will celebrate National Library Week by incorporating a week of fine forgiveness. For the Bay Minette Public Library, we will waive fines for overdue materials and especially for missing or lost materials if they are returned. All we want is our materials back on the shelf for others to enjoy.

The theme for this year’s National Library Week is “Communities Matter @ Your Library,” and I am proud of the knowledge that libraries play a vital role in the lives of the people in our community. Not only do we have that book you’ve been dying to read, but we also offer a variety of audio books which are especially great on particularly long commutes, DVDs for a nice relaxing night or weekend, and many databases to help you with everything from researching your family tree, to accessing the Alabama Drivers Manual, to helping your child with homework. We have patron computers available for you to check your email, pay bills, fill out a job application or write a resume. I am proud to report that we have had several people get jobs after coming to the library to fill out their job application.

And don’t forget our eBooks and downloadable audio books. Your library joined the statewide consortium Camellia Net in October of 2011, and the number of patrons taking part in this wonderful electronic format has grown exponentially.

We also have a lot to offer you our patrons in the coming weeks and months. Our Children’s Librarian Victoria Barnett offers preschool Storytime every Tuesday morning at 10. Bring your little one for a warm and inviting morning of songs, stories and crafts! I offer two book clubs for our patrons. The Flip Flop Book Club is held the second Monday of each month at 1 p.m. at the Bay Minette Senior Center, and the Bay Minette Browsers meet the third Monday of each month at 1:30 p.m. in the library’s Program Room. We read a variety of fiction and non-fiction titles in each book club and have fun and enlightening discussions about what we read.

In May the library will host a Spring Art Show whose theme is Backyard Bliss. And due to popular demand we have extended our Summer Reading Program into July (thanks for your interest and support!). The programs are held each Tuesday at 1 p.m. at the John F. Rhodes Civic Center. More will certainly follow about the Summer Reading Program.

Libraries do so much for a community that I could write on this subject for days. Since I don’t have days to spend writing and I’m sure the newspaper wouldn’t have the room to publish it anyway, I leave it in your capable hands – explore our website www.bayminettepubliclibrary.org and discover the many ways your local library can improve your day, week and life. You never know what you might find!

In other news, the Old Town Bay Minette Arts Council kicks off its Market Days at Blackburn Park this Saturday from 8 a.m. until 1 p.m. We will have vendors selling homemade, handmade, and homegrown items, everything from artwork by local artists to fig preserves and yard eggs. The Unknown Bluegrass Band will be on hand performing live music. At 11 a.m. we have a special presentation by local writer Wayne Cain who will be doing a poetry reading in honor of April’s National Poetry Month. You will not want to miss it! The local American Legion will be selling sausage dog meals, and we will have fun art projects for kids. This expanded event is in conjunction with the North Baldwin Chamber of Commerce.

Joanna Bailey is the director of the Bay Minette Public Library. She can be reached at baileyvolumes@gmail.com