CAMDEN — The Camden Public Library is “Reaching for the Stars” during National Library Week, April 7-13.

“With a partial solar eclipse taking place in Camden on the Monday of National Library Week, this year’s celebration offers a unique moment in time to recognize our nation's libraries; highlight library workers' contributions; and encourage library use and support,” said CPL, in a news release.

It is also a significant moment in the career of Executive Director Nikki Maounis. 

"This will be my last National Library Week at the Camden Public Library as I approach a new chapter of my own, later this spring,” said Maounis. “That certainly makes it a memorable time for me personally.” 

The library will focus on a special theme during each day of the week, including the Library Staff, coinciding with the historic Solar Eclipse; the Walsh History Center; Young Readers; Lifelong Learners; the Parks; and a Day of Honor. It’s all part of the annual celebration of National Library Week, which highlights the valuable role libraries play in transforming lives and strengthening communities. 

To prepare for the April 8 partial solar eclipse, two programs will be offered in advance: On Fri., April 5, from 4 to 5 p.m., Amy Hand will lead a pinhole eclipse viewer-making workshop for all ages in Picker Room. Then on Sat., April 6, at 4 p.m., Edward Herrick-Gleason, Director of Southworth Planetarium, will present “The GREAT Eclipse.”  
 
A few highlights of National Library Week include the Walsh History Center Hour on Zoom, Tue., April 9, at 1 p.m.; two children’s offerings on Wed., April 10: Booktime for Babies sing-along and storytime at 10 a.m. and a special partner read-aloud storytime with Miss Amy and Miss Stef at 3 p.m.; "In a Class All Their Own: Unique and Historic Boats of New England," with Tom Verde on Thu., April 11, at 6:30 p.m., part of Maritime Month; and the popular “Foraging for Edible Mushrooms,” with Greg Marley, Sat., April 13, at 1 p.m. Browse the full week's schedule at librarycamden.org. 
 
In additional, all month long, the featured Maritime Month exhibit in the Picker Room Gallery will be "Jim Moore: Midcoast Correspondent" from the Penobscot Marine Museum's collection. 
 
To keep such programs and multi-generation outreach strong, the library is working to raise $57,350 by the end of the fiscal year.

"As we ‘reach for the stars,’ I have a special request,” Maounis said. “If you appreciate the work that this library does in our community and the efforts our amazing staff, please consider donating during National Library Week. Every dollar you give will make a tangible difference right here, where we read, connect, and discover together." 

Donations can be made in-person at the library; by mail to the "Camden Public Library Fund" at 55 Main St., Camden, ME 04843; or online at the library’s website at librarycamden.org/donate.