To the Editor,

Public libraries are a gift to North Carolina’s citizens. These amazing places not only provide a haven for bookworms and researchers, but serve as community gathering places, host educational events and book clubs, provide technology and computer services, and help kids get excited about books and learning – I could go on and on about all the fantastic resources our public libraries provide. There are close to 400 public library outlets in North Carolina, and they can be found in every one of our 100 counties.

Oct. 16-22 is National Friends of Libraries Week. Friends of the Library groups throughout the state work with their local public libraries to sponsor a wide variety of fundraisers, including popular annual book sales, and are always looking for new members and volunteers.

Gov. McCrory and I encourage every North Carolinian to visit your local library and learn about the many exciting resources available to you. Join your local friends group and volunteer. Sign up for a library card, or sign up to get your children or grandchildren their very own cards — it’s a fantastic way to foster a life-long love of reading!

When Gov. McCrory appointed me to this position, he asked that I focus on jobs and economic development. Libraries do just that! Workforce development has become increasingly important for public libraries in this changing economy.

The PEW Research Center Report found that 47 percent of job seekers say that help from the library in finding or applying for a job is important to them and their families. Last year, North Carolina Public Libraries offered a total of 3,946 programs about workforce development and those programs were attended by 39,588 people. Free programs include subjects like job seeking, resume preparation and other workforce development areas.

The State Library of North Carolina, part of the N.C. Department of Natural and Cultural Resources, includes the Government and Heritage Library, the Library for the Blind and Physically Handicapped, and the Library Development Section. Part of their mission is to create programs for and provide services and resources to N.C. libraries, and also to be an advocate for the very important work that they do. Learn more about the State Library, and find a list of North Carolina’s public libraries, at http://statelibrary.ncdcr.gov/.

Susan Kluttz
Secretary
N.C. Dept. of Natural and Cultural Resources