National Library Week, a time to celebrate the contributions of libraries, librarians and library workers in schools, campuses and communities nationwide – is the perfect time to discover how worlds connect @ your library.

This year, National Library Week will be from April 12-18, and public libraries statewide will host special free programs throughout the month in celebration. The American Library Association selects the theme for this special week, and for 2009 they have chosen “Worlds connect @ your library.”

Hawaii’s public libraries will offer programs featuring popular storytellers and performing artists.

The Friends of the Library of Hawaii and the University of Hawaii-Manoa Outreach College, Statewide Cultural Extension Program, are sponsoring the National Library Week 2009 programs. The National Endowment for the Arts and the State Foundation on Culture and the Arts are providing additional funding for the featured performers.

Here is a sampling of National Library Week programs:

Clear Englebert, bestseller “Feng Shui for Hawaii”: April 25, 11 a.m. at Hilo Public Library (300 Waianuenue Ave., 933-8888)

Honokaa High School Jazz Band: April 29, 5 p.m. at Thelma Parker Memorial Public & School Library (67-1209 Mamalahoa Hwy., Kamuela, Hawaii; 887-6067)

Program schedules are subject to change. Contact the hosting library as soon as possible if a sign language interpreter or other special accommodation is needed.

Visit the HSPLS website: www.librarieshawaii.org for a current listing of National Library Week 2009 programs or call your local library to find out what programs will be offered.