Local public libraries evolving to meet the needs of their communities

Supporting one of the nation's most important resources during National Library Week

Editorial submitted by OverDrive

This week, the Buffalo & Erie County Public Library System joins public libraries in communities nationwide to celebrate dynamic changes that are happening in today's libraries. April 10-16 is National Library Week, a time to highlight the significant and changing role of libraries, librarians and library workers.

Libraries are places of information, offering everyone free access to a wealth of information that they often can't find elsewhere, whether online, in print or in person. Libraries work with elected officials, small business owners, community groups, students, families and the public at large to discover and address the needs of the community. Whether through offering eBooks and technology classes, materials for English-language learners, programs for job seekers or offering storytime programs, libraries are the center of community providing resources that are the key to opportunity and life transformations.

When most people think "library," they think books. And while that is certainly true, these days books take different shapes, such as eBooks and audiobooks.

Buffalo & Erie County Public Library partners with OverDrive, the industry-leading eBook and audiobook platform for libraries and schools, to offer free access to a variety of digital resources, including eBooks, audiobooks and streaming video that readers can access anytime and anywhere. Libraries' digital collections can be read on all computers and mobile devices, including iPhone, iPad, Android phones and tablets, Chromebook and Kindle (U.S. Libraries only).

To take advantage of the many benefits libraries have to offer, all that is needed is a library card. You can obtain a library card at any of the 37 Buffalo & Erie County Public Library branches or visit the online website at www.BuffaloLib.org.

First sponsored in 1958, National Library Week is a national observance sponsored by the American Library Association and libraries across the country each April.