Lives change @ W.A. McElveen ILC: celebrate National Library Week Published April 8, 2014 By Derrick Rhems 20th Force Support Squadron SHAW AIR FORCE BASE, S.C. -- April 13 - 19, the W.A. McElveen Information Learning Center joins with libraries, military members, schools, campuses and communities nationwide in celebrating National Library Week, a time to highlight the value of libraries, librarians and library workers. Libraries today are more than repositories for books and other resources. Often the heart of their communities, campuses or schools, libraries is deeply committed to the places where their patrons live, work and study. Libraries are trusted places where everyone in the community can gather to reconnect and reengage with each other to enrich and shape the community and address local issues. Librarians work with elected officials, military members, small business owners, students and the public at large to discover what their communities need and meet them. Whether through offering e-books and technology classes, materials for foreign-language learners, programs for job seekers or those to support early literacy, librarians listen to the community they serve, and they respond. The W.A. McElveen ILC serves military communities, and colleges by providing a wide variety of online mission essential, educational and self-improvement resources; CLEP, DANTES and printed books, CD and digital audio books, music, foreign language material, video games, movies, Tumble e- books for children and so much more. "Service to the community has always been the focus of the library," says Sarah Sloan, Force Development Flight Chief. "While this aspect has never changed, libraries have grown and evolved in how they provide for the needs of every member of their community." The W.A. McElveen ILC is celebrating National Library Week by providing a signing display for the Declaration for the Right to Libraries, special story times, showing old classic movies, and giving away free bookmarks. First sponsored in 1958, National Library Week is a national observance sponsored by the American Library Association and libraries across the country each April. For more information, visit the W.A. McElveen ILC at 400 Shaw Drive Bldg. 827, Shaw AFB, SC, call (803)895-4518 or visit the library's Web site. Library hours are Monday- Friday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., closed Saturday, Sunday, and holidays.