East Texas libraries continue celebration

February is "Love Your Library" month, and Bullard library patrons are asked to join in the events and support the local library.

"Come in throughout the month and read the

Sixty-five reasons to love your library' we have posted," said Andie Rathbone, Bullard Community Library. "Then give us your reason on our `Love Your Library' board."

Rathbone is asking patrons and the community to drop off a valentine to the library in its specially decorated gift box.

The library's wish list includes: paper towels, toilet paper, computer/copy paper, pens, red and black Sharpies, read and black markers, clear packing tape, Post-It notes and tabs and hand soap.

In addition, the week on Valentine's Day, Feb. 12-17, the library will show "how much they love their patrons," Rathbone said.

"Visitors are welcome to enjoy cookies and coffee all week and will receive a free book from the Friends of the Library bookstore when they check out items from our collection, " she said.

The Smith County libraries, along with other libraries in Texas, have taken this question beyond the personal and come up with "Sixty-Five Reasons to Love Your Library."

"Whatever your reasons for loving your library - personal enjoyment, intellectual stimulation, children's books and activities, research materials for school, home or work, or access to computers and the Internet - the public is invited in joining the celebration," said Noonday Library Director Loretta Applegate.

To celebrate the reasons Smith County residents love their libraries, six Smith county libraries - Bullard, Noonday, Lindale, Troup, Tyler and Whitehouse - will feature special events and programs for patrons over the next several months.

Among the activities are the following:

A new activity will come each month, Rathbone said.

Until Feb. 14, Noonday patrons are invited to write down on a heart reasons to "Love Their Library," Applegate said. "We will try to cover the walls with love."

Each month, more activities are planned and will be announced. Collaboration on the "Sixty-Five Reasons to Love Your Library" is one of the goals of the recently organized "Smith County Libraries Together."

The campaign encourages resident of each community to celebrate their libraries in recognition of the important role libraries play in the cultural and economic success of our communities and nation.

For more information about the activities above as well as services of any Smith County libraries, contact the Bullard Community Library at 903-894- 6125 or the Noonday library at 903-939-0540.