National Library Week at SLCL

St. Louis County Library will celebrate National Library Week (April 15 -April 21) with a variety of programs, including the popular Food for Fines promotion. All programs are free and open to the public. Registration may be required. 

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

While some question the relevancy of libraries, SLCL has experienced record-breaking usage. In 2012, over 6.7 million people visited a library branch, and the system circulated over 12 million items. SLCL has evolved with the changing needs of the public, offering downloadable eMedia, free online classes, a mobile app and free Wi-Fi at all 20 locations. 

SLCL will kick-of National Library Week with Food For Fines. Customers with overdue fines can donate canned food items to reduce their fines. For each can donated, one dollar of overdue fines will be waived. No more than ten dollars of overdue fines can be waived per card. All donations go to Operation Food Search.  

Additional National Library Week programs are highlighted below. 

Let's Go to Library Land

Friday April 12, 10:00 a.m.

Come celebrate National Library Week (April 14-20). We will listen to stories and create our own books to take home. Ages 3-6. Registration required. Daniel Boone Branch, 300 Clarkson Rd., Ellisville, MO 63011 

LEGO Club

Wednesday, April 17, 4:30 p.m.

Design and build fantastic creations with us. We'll provide the Legos and you provide the imagination. Ages 8 and up. Registration required. Prairie Commons Branch, 915 Utz Ln., Hazelwood, MO 63042 

Family Arcade

Thursday, April 18, 6:00 p.m.
Kids and parents are invited to play video games together. This event features games on the Wii and Xbox 360 consoles. Kids ages 10 and under need to be accompanied by an adult. Natural Bridge Branch, 7606 Natural Bridge Rd., St. Louis, MO 63121 

Money Smart Kids READ

Saturday, April 20, 10:00 a.m. 
It's never too early to learn about money! The program includes a story, crafts and activities for children ages 3 and up. Lewis and Clark Branch, 9909 Lewis-Clark Blvd., St. Louis, MO 63136 

Programs for teens: 

Spring Spa Day

Monday, April 15, 3:00 p.m.
Come to the library for some relaxation and pampering. We'll share some homemade beauty secrets while giving each other manicures. Ages 12-18. Registration required. Weber Road Branch, 4444 Weber Road, St. Louis, MO 63123 

Self-Defense for Teens

Tuesday, April 16, 7:00 p.m.
Attend this workshop for a basic introduction to self-defense and an opportunity to practice techniques. Presented by Sensei Harub Taalik of Maat karate Do. Recommended for ages 12-18. Registration required. Samuel C. Sachs Branch, 16400 Burkhardt Pl., Chesterfield, MO 63017 

Peeps Sushi

Saturday, April 20, 2:00 p.m.
"Peepshi" has taken Pinterest boards by storm. See what the buzz is all about as we make our own Peeps creations. Grades 6-12. Registration required. Mid-County Branch, 7821 Maryland Ave, St. Louis, MO 63105 

Programs for adults: 

Become Disaster Ready

Tuesday, April 16, 7:00 p.m.
Your own readiness and your neighbors' assistance are likely your only support in the first hour after a disaster. A simple program can provide the information you need to cope in times of disaster. Registration required. Thornhill Branch, 12863 Willowyck Dr., St. Louis, MO 63146 

Author Event: Cheryl Strayed, "Wild: From Lost to Found on the Pacific Coast"

Wednesday, April 17, 7:00 p.m.
Cheryl Strayed presents her bestselling, Oprah-pick memoir: a powerful, blazingly honest story of an 1,100-mile solo hike that broke down a young woman reeling from catastrophe--and built her back up again. Headquarters, 1640 South Lindbergh, St. Louis, MO 63131 

Introduction to Calligraphy

Wednesday, April 17, 7:00 p.m.
Join Barbara Reed of the St. Louis Calligraphy Guild for an introduction to the art of beautiful writing.  Registration required. Daniel Boone Branch, 300 Clarkson Rd., Ellisville, MO 63011 

For more information and to register for any of these programs, please call 314 994-3300 or visit www.slcl.org/events. 

Program sites are accessible. Upon two weeks' notice, accommodations will be made for persons with disabilities. Contact St. Louis County Library by phone 314-994-3300, or visit www.slcl.org.