Library lovers' month warms readers hearts throughout Feb.

With the days quickly growing colder, what could be better then curling up with a cup of hot chocolate by the fireplace and getting lost in a good book? Well now is the perfect time to do just that because February is National Library Lovers' Month. Many may recognize February as a month of love when Valentine's Day is celebrated, but one can prove their love to more than just the people in their lives; one can love his/her library. This is a month-long celebration giving the public an opportunity to support and to recognize the value of their local school, public and private libraries and to work together to assure that the Nation's libraries will continue to serve their communities.

Libraries are easily forgotten because of the current availability of information in its vast forms, but one cannot forget about the amenities libraries provide for their communities. As technology improves, so do the information resources in libraries, something that should be respected, cherished and most importantly, utilized.

Being governmentally funded, non-profit organizations, libraries need as much support as possible to ensure their existence. So, if you have been neglecting your local library, take advantage of this nationally recognized month to get involved and make a difference. Everyone should contribute, volunteer, utilize and promote libraries during this month of love.

There are many ways one can contribute to a library that may seem insignificant but can really make a difference. Donate a book. Everyone knows they have a few old books lying around the house and hidden in the attic. So take one of those boring Sundays and rediscover the library you hold within your home and donate it to your local library.

One could also buy for a local library a subscription to their favorite magazine or donate old copies. Not everyone is a book worm, but who says a person could not get lost in a great magazine?

Volunteering may sound boring and even complicated, but it is really quite simple. Volunteering at your favorite library can be as easy as cleaning up a messy work area someone has left or re-shelving a book lying on the ground. To take volunteering to the next level, one can take the time to read stories to children and help with class visits. Opening the mind of a child is something that can be so rewarding, and volunteering will take on a whole new meaning.

In continuing to help libraries, a person must utilize the facilities and all that they hold. If people stop visiting their libraries, there will no longer be a need for them, and that is something that can simply not happen. So much time and effort has been put into making the library system a success; it would be an utter shame to let these magnificent buildings go to waste.

So even though it may seem easier to do your research from your desktop, take the time to adventure to the nearest library and see what a paperback has to offer.

Research has shown that everyone loves libraries, but people forget about them. Being Library Lovers' Month, this is the ideal opportunity to change that way of thinking. Promote your library by simply talking about them to friends, family and co-workers, and encourage school and college administration to make library funding a high priority. Places such as schools and colleges can benefit greatly from what libraries have to offer, and students are just the people who can help to make a difference and ensure that a library's success continues.

So during this special month, take the time to step away from your computer and into the various sections of the library aisles to check out a few new books. For time well spent and a good lesson learned, the library is the place to be.

Maggie Cosgrove is a second-year student majoring in elementary education. She can be reached at MC626229@wcupa.edu.