It's National Library Week

Library Director Andrea Fuller said they'll also be passing out free notepads throughout the week and selling a new cookbook by Worthington native Betty L. (Davidson) McClain.

"The book is called 'Remember Days Gone By -- A Cookbook by the Worthington Ladies' and it's on sale for $10 with all of the proceeds going to the library," said Fuller.

The book is expected to be popular with local history buffs -- the hometown recipes are interspersed with snippets of Worthington history. McClain is a former assistant librarian at the WJ Library.

Downstairs at the library, patrons will find bargains to add to their own book collection.

"Prices range from 25 cents up to $3 for fiction, non-fiction, kids books, audio books and movies," said Fuller.

The library will also be giving away some free books to people who sign up for a card this week.

"The first 50 people to sign up for a new library card will also get a free book of their choice -- we've got a pretty good selection," said Fuller.

The WJ Library receives funding to serve all residents in Worthington and in both Jefferson and Smith Townships and everyone who lives in those areas is eligible for a free library card.

As is the case at all libraries, people who live outside of a local library's district must pay a fee for a library card, but the WJ Library has made some exceptions to that rule.

"Our library board made a decision to offer free library cards to every student and every employee of the WRV Schools, no matter which township they live in," said Fuller.

To receive the free card, a patron just needs to drop in to the library to sign up -- those under the age of 16 should have a parent or guardian with them.

Fuller said the library will need to see some proof of address or association with WRV Schools. Adult patrons who live in Worthington or Jefferson or Smith Township should bring a photo ID, a driver's license, utility bill or a piece of mail that shows their name and address. Students who live outside those townships need to bring a report card or something that shows they attend WRV.

Not all residents in Indiana have free access to a library -- many must pay an annual fee to obtain a card.

Fuller says she hopes the students in the WRV school district that do not have a library card will stop in this week and take advantage of the opportunity.

A library card not only allows one to check out books but the library has a selection of music and movies that can be checked out and public computers with Internet access are available.

"The card also allows them to use the interlibrary loan service. If there's a book they would like to read and we don't have it, we can usually get it through interlibrary loan," said Fuller.

In addition, the WJ Library will again host a summer reading program for six weeks from June 9-July 16 called "Be Creative at your Library." Children from preschool to age 12 will meet on Tuesdays and Thursdays, usually from 1-2 p.m. with educational programs presented on Tuesdays and craft sessions on Thursdays. Besides refreshments, children will get prizes and guaranteed fun.

For more information, call the WJ Library at 875-3815.

The WJ Library is open on Monday and Wednesday from 12-5 p.m.; Tuesday and Thursday from 12-8 p.m.; Friday from 9 a.m.-5 p.m.; and Saturday from 9 a.m.-1 p.m.