Butler County libraries promote resources during National Library Week
Although libraries are one of the few public places where people don’t have to spend money to be, the libraries throughout Butler County are each hosting book sales this week in commemoration of National Library Week.
Lori Hinderliter, executive director of the Butler Area Public Library, said the book sales at the Butler library are important fundraisers that help fund educational and entertainment programming. She said National Library Week is a good time to highlight the ways libraries provide free access to communities, by being places to gather for reading, events or even just to use the public Wi-Fi.
“Libraries are going to be an especially important resource as the economy gets tougher,” Hinderliter said. “They can come in and get electronic resources, they can get help navigating all these things.”
The eight libraries under the Butler County Federated Library System are each hosting events this week, from each one’s individual book sale to bingo at the Butler library.
Krista Conway, administrator for the Butler County Federated Library System, said in a statement that libraries are so much more than just places to borrow books from.
“Throughout the years, libraries have remained a hub in communities for knowledge and entertainment, and we’ve seen them shift as technology and culture have shifted,” Conway said. “We are not just books. We offer programming for all ages, movies, TV shows, and music for streaming, comic books, graphic novels, e-books, audio books, public computer use, Wi-Fi, printing, scanning, faxing, job search assistance, community and professional resources and so much more.”
Aside from the book sale, the Butler Area Public Library will have a “Little Librarians Training Camp” at 6 p.m. each Tuesday in April, where students in pre-K to fourth grade will learn about what it means to be a librarian and will help with some library tasks.
Thursday, April 10, will be “All Inclusive Adventures,” where adults with all abilities can play library bingo in honor of National Library Week at 1 p.m.
On Saturday, April 12, the library will have an event for getting ready for kindergarten with Sesame Street. At 11 a.m., families with children starting kindergarten during the 2025-26 school year are invited to a fun kindergarten readiness program.
Dianne McCauley, adult program coordinator for Butler Area Public Library, said these events will be good for introducing people to the library and the resources it offers, including for children who are brand new to the library.
“All-inclusive adventures, library bingo; we have little librarians with Tiffany, a training camp for kids,” McCauley said, “that week they'll learn how to use library materials.”
The book sale will be open throughout the week during the times the library is open. Hinderliter said the library has dozens of boxes filled with hardcover and paperback books, as well as DVDs, tapes and games from throughout the years.
Sandy Hays, administrative assistant at the Butler Area Public Library, is about to reach her 50th anniversary of working at the Butler library. She said there were not as many community events hosted at the library when she first started, but the Butler library began scheduling more programs as needs arose. Storytime, Hays said, has become one of the most popular events at the library, which has also helped keep a steady flow of children coming to the library.
“I’m so glad that parents are still bringing their kids in,” Hays said. “I’m so happy to see when moms come in and check out 20 books at a time.”
McCauley said people come in to the library regularly to not only check out books, but to view calendars of local upcoming events or even just relax in the air-conditioned building.
“It’s one of the last places to go and be free and you don't have to buy anything,” McCauley said.
McCauley added that National Library Week celebrates the many ways libraries bring people together, spark imagination and support lifelong learning.
“We just want everyone to be aware that libraries provide so many resources to be aware and to entertain yourself, socialize and prepare for school or a new career,” McCauley said. “And it’s all free.”
Hinderliter said the Friends of the Butler Area Public Library group recently dissolved, but there are still opportunities for people to get involved in programs or volunteering there. She said the library could always use help sorting books, and the Butler library’s genealogy department is in need of some clerical help.
Additionally, people can approach the library with ideas of their own, and become a part of the organization’s educational force. Hinderliter said the library thrives off community engagement.
“We always try to be proactive in teaching things,” Hinderliter said.
