Libraries play an important role in today's society. They have become cores of communities, centers for literacy advocacy, and a hub for information from an array of sources. Libraries are extremely diverse in both collection and service, but continue to operate as leaders in the information industry. This month, in honor of libraries everywhere, we highlight the top seven ways to celebrate National Library Week!

1. Visit your local library.
A brick and mortar library is a great place to get started with research, attend community events, or look for a job. Ask a library staff member or check the designated events board - you'll be amazed at everything your library has to offer.

2. Apply for a library card.
Getting a library card is essentially your free pass to thousands of resources. That new CD you've been dying to listen to, the documentary you've been meaning to watch, and that bestseller your friends keep telling you to read, chances are your library can provide you with all these materials and more at no cost.

3. Access a virtual library.
Sites like AccessMyLibrary provide access to magazines like O, the Oprah Magazine, PC Magazine, Newsweek, and Allure as well as other periodicals like USA Today and The New Yorker, that are usually only available through subscriptions.

4. Utilize free electronic resources.
Chances are that your library already purchases access to several online databases that you can easily log into using your library card number. These electronic resources are perfect for conducting extensive online research on a variety of subjects.

5. Attend a community program at your library.
Many libraries have meeting rooms that house various community events and meetings. Talk with a library staff member to see what programs are occurring at your local library, or, if you are a part of a group looking for a place to meet, see if library meeting rooms are assessable to your organization.

6. Attend a story time.
If you have children, take them to a story time at your library. Some libraries even offer different story times for different ages and languages. Engaging and creative, most story times are entertaining for adults and children alike.

7. Ask some questions.
Here's a little known fact: reference librarians have master's degrees. Make use of their expertise by asking them your toughest reference questions. More authoritative than Google, their skill-set can help you obtain the most accurate information available.

BlueWaterArticles.com: - Top Seven Ways to Celebrate National Library Week

About the Author

Charlotte Beulow is a contributing writer for AccessMyLibrary. Best known for its large and diverse set of content, AML provides authoritative reference content as well as full-text magazine and newspaper articles - all courtesy of your local library and at no cost to you.