CAMDEN — The Camden Public Library is celebrating National Library Week from April 4-10. The library will be welcoming neighbors to discover the many unique programs and services available to enjoy, whether at the library or at home. This special week is held annually to highlight the valuable role that libraries and their staff play in transforming lives and strengthening communities.

"This year's theme, 'Welcome to Your Library,' finds us at a threshold  – looking back at our course through the pandemic while also planning for the road ahead,” said Library Executive Director Nikki Maounis, in a news release. “I’ve heard so many kind words from people about how the library helped them get through these very difficult days. We’re excited to take this week to share our accomplishments over the past year and also to discuss what’s needed to forge ahead with a gradual return to more in-person activity.”

The week-long celebration will spotlight different aspects of service on each day: the Walsh History Center, Staff, Young Readers, Lifelong Learners, and the Parks.

Adult program offerings this week include an online read-aloud and two lively groups meeting on Zoom – one discusses Camden’s history on Monday and the other focuses on art and journaling projects on Wednesday.

The Tuesday and Thursday evening programs on Zoom will feature slideshow talks about Camden’s maritime history and restoring common loon populations in New England.

Families who have missed in-person story times and crafts with Miss Amy can now meet safely with masks and distancing in the Amphitheatre on Wednesday mornings and continue to access virtual children’s programs on YouTube and Instagram.

The full schedule can be found at librarycamden.org.

“We value our community so much, and we want to make sure the library consistently steps up to help during tough times,” says Maounis. “We have doubled down to provide safe and easy access to books through services like curbside pickup, homebound delivery, and increased ebook and audio book selections. We have kept our vibrant adult program tradition alive with online versions and expanded essential services like free Wi-Fi. Demand has been high for all of these, and continues to climb. In fact, we recently had to increase our Zoom audience limit beyond 100, and 300 people signed up right away.”

To support these services and ongoing innovations, the library is asking for help to raise $45,000 by June 30 to meet expanded operation expenses and overcome the loss of major fundraisers like the Harbor Arts & Books fairs.

"Participating in the #WeLoveCPL fundraising drive is a quick and easy way to help your library thrive," Maounis said. "For a library of our size, every single donation really does make a difference in our community."

Donors can express their love of libraries by making a donation on the library website at librarycamden.org/donate; in-person Monday through Saturday, from 1 to 6 p.m.; or by mail to the "Camden Public Library Fund" at 55 Main St., Camden, ME 04843. For more information, visit librarycamden.org.