For National Library Week, Madison Public Library conducted the “Where Does Reading Take You?” poster contest. Winners and presenters at City Council’s April 13 meeting were Emma Wade, from left, Evi Jones, Jyoti Amrhein, Mayor Troy Trulock, Lilly Butler, Shania Burrows, Emily Adams and library branch manager Sarah Sledge. (RECORD PHOTO/NICK SELLERS)

MADISON – To celebrate National Library Week on April 12-18, Madison Public Library introduced poster contest winners to Madison City Council, hosted a book launch and plans a garden workday.

The American Library Association and community libraries across the country observe National Library Week, first recognized in 1958.

Madison youth designed posters for the contest with the theme, “Destination Book: Where Does Reading Take You?” Children were asked to include the last great book that they read, best book that they have ever read and places they have ‘traveled’ in books, branch manager Sarah Sledge said.

Winners for 12-year-olds and younger were Emily Adams in first place, Jyoti Amrhein in second place, and Lilly Butler ranked in third place.

In the category for 13-year-olds and older, winners were Shania Burrows in first place; Evi Jones, second; and Emma Wade, third. First-place winners received a $25 gift certificate to Barnes & Noble. Other finalists received gift certificates to the library bookstore.

Sledge recognized these youth to Madison City Council on April 13, at which time Madison Mayor Troy Trulock proclaimed April 12-18 as National Library Week in Madison. “Libraries create potential and possibilities within their communities, campuses and schools,” Trulock said. “Libraries level the playing field for all who seek information and access to technologies.”

In addition, Madison Friends of the Library will host a book launch and fundraiser on April 15 for local author Michael Guillebeau’s new mystery novel, “A Study in Detail” at Blue Pants Brewery.

On April 18 at 8 a.m., the ‘Friends’ plan to ‘spruce up’ Madison Children’s Garden – A Living Library with a hands-in-the-dirt workday.

“Libraries today are more than warehouses for books. Instead, libraries and librarians are change agents within their communities — transforming lives through innovative educational resources and forward-thinking programming,” consultant Stephanie Taylor with Alabama Public Library Service said.

“Librarians work with elected officials, small business owners, students and the public at-large to discover and meet the needs of their communities,” Taylor said.