Transform your Ideas about the Library: Celebrate National Library Week April 10-16

Modern university library building with glass facade and brick exterior. Cloudy sky background. There are a few trees in front of the building and a "lion" Sign reads "Gee Gillan" on the side

By Preston Livingston

This week, the Texas A&M University-Commerce Libraries join libraries in schools, campuses and communities nationwide in celebrating the dynamic changes that are happening in today's libraries. April 10-16 is National Library Week, a time to highlight the changing role of libraries, librarians and library workers.

Libraries today are more about what they do, for and with library users as opposed to what they have for patrons. Libraries aren't only a place of quiet study, but also creative and engaging community centers where people can collaborate using new technologies, learn how to use a 3D printer or just relax. Here at the Texas A&M University-Commerce Libraries, we offer access to a variety of print and digital resources, which can be accessed in person or online.

Libraries of all types are evolving and transforming to meet the needs of the communities they serve. At the James G. Gee Library on the university’s main Commerce campus, this transformation has come in the form of innovative resources and services, such as our new Virtual Learning Lab with zSpace learning technology, Audio Visual Lab, Mango Languages database, Laptops Anytime kiosk, Teacher Resource Center and 3D printer.

“Over the last several years we have worked on a steady transformation of our libraries, a process that is focused on the needs of our users,” said Director of Libraries Greg Mitchell.  “Libraries must move beyond the old model of being warehouses for books to become the welcoming, useful, collaborative kinds of places that our students need. We offer information, instruction and innovative new tools so that learning that begins in the classroom continues in the library.”

Libraries are many things to many people. They work with elected officials, small business owners, students and the public at large to discover and address the needs of their communities. Whether through offering e-books and technology classes, materials for English-language learners, programs for job seekers or offering a safe haven in times of crisis, libraries and librarians listen to the community they serve, and they respond.  The Texas A&M University-Commerce Libraries are dedicated to serving their students, faculty, staff and alumni as well as researchers and the broader community.

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.

For more information, please visit Gee Library in Commerce or the Metroplex Library in Mesquite. You can also call the library at (903)886-5718, explore online, and follow us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.