Shrewsbury – Thursday, April 12, Shrewsbury Public Library will join libraries across the Commonwealth and the nation to provide a “snapshot” of what happens in a day in the life of libraries. How many books are checked out? How many people receive help finding a job? Doing their taxes? Doing their homework? During Snapshot Day, libraries will collect data and photos that help demonstrate the value of libraries and raise public awareness that libraries are busier than ever.
Everyone can participate in this second annual event: At the Shrewsbury Library visitors will find volunteers manning a table in the main lobby, asking visitors to take a one minute survey that asks the reason for the library visit. A professional photographer will be taking photographs of people throughout the building who are using collections and services. The photos and statistics will then be added to the state and national collection. A display of photographs from the library's past will be on exhibit in the display case.
Library snapshot day occurs during National Library Week, which runs from Monday, April 9 through Saturday, April 14. Throughout the week, library visitors can enjoy free coffee and donuts provided by the Friends of the Shrewsbury Library, and children and teens will find some fun bookmarks and other freebies.
New this year is online participation. Patrons can go to mass.gov/libraries and post comments about the ways they use the library. Last year, residents downloaded more than 9 million articles from trusted library resources.
“We'se looking forward to a fun, busy day , and expect we'sl collect photos and stats that helps us demonstrate how much our residents use and value their library,” said Library Director Ellen Dolan.
Visit www.mass.gov/libraries or contact the Shrewsbury Public Library at 508-842-0081 for more information.
