Library Workers Day Celebrates American Dream

Free buttons and bookmarks at the Library of Congress today mark Library Workers Day. “Libraries are part of the American dream,” says AFSCME Local 2910 President Saul Schniderman, “places for opportunity, education, lifelong learning and free and equal access to a world of resources no matter your age, income or background. But that dream would not exist if it were not for the people who work in libraries.” AFSCME Locals 2477 and 2910 – whose members work at the Library -- will pass out free buttons, bookmarks and sponsor a free raffle drawing. “Visit our table in front of the Madison ground floor cafe from 12:00 to 2P,” urges Schniderman. During National Library Week, schools, campuses and communities across the country celebrate National Library Workers Day. “In these challenging economic times, libraries are being used more than ever, and with less financial backing,” Schniderman says. “Library staffs are being asked to provide more services with fewer resources.  When cities, school, and federal budgets become tight, librarians and library technicians are often the first group to be cut.” Library Workers Day, says Schniderman, is a time to honor the contributions of librarians, technicians, support staff and others who make library services possible.