OKEECHOBEE – “The library is the one place you can still go for free,” Okeechobee County Library Director told Okeechobee County Commissioners at their April 10 meeting. She said the library offers more than books and videos. “You can do yoga in the library. You can do your taxes in the library. We have air conditioning and Wi-Fi that works.”

The commissioners declared April 6 to 12 as National Library Week.

“Libraries spark creativity, fuel imagination, and inspire lifelong learning, offering a space where individuals of all ages can explore new ideas and be drawn to new possibilities; and serve as vibrant community hub, connecting people with knowledge, technology, and resources while fostering civic engagement, critical thinking, and lifelong learning,” the proclamation states.

“Libraries provide free and equitable access to books, digital tools, and innovative programming, ensuring that all individuals—regardless of background—have the support they need to learn, connect, and thrive.

“Libraries partner with schools, businesses, and organizations, connecting the dots to maximize resources, increase efficiency, and expand access to essential services, strengthening the entire community and empower job seekers, entrepreneurs, and lifelong learners by providing access to resources, training, and opportunities that support career growth and economic success.

“Libraries nurture young minds through story times, STEAM programs, and literacy initiatives, fostering curiosity and a love of learning that lasts a lifetime, and libraries protect the right to read, think, and explore without censorship, standing as champions of intellectual freedom and free expression.

“Dedicated librarians and library workers provide welcoming spaces that inspire discovery, collaboration, and creativity for all, and libraries, librarians, and library workers across the country are joining together to celebrate National Library Week under the theme Drawn to the Library.”