Assemblywoman Donna Ferrara (R, C-Westbury) is reminding students and parents that National Library Week will be observed April 18 through April 24 and that the month of April is designated as School Library Media Month.

"The goal of National Library Week is to encourage people to read more during their leisure time and to discover the many resources available to them at their local libraries," said Ferrara, the ranking minority member of the Libraries and Education Technology Committee. "I have two young children and, as a parent, I believe the best way to encourage their interest in reading is by showing them the many adventures they may find when they read."

Ferrara will be participating in a number of events during the week to highlight the observance of National Library Week, including a reading at East Street Elementary School in Hicksville on April 23.

First sponsored in 1958, National Library Week is a national observance sponsored by the American Library Association and libraries across the country. All types of libraries - school, public, academic and special - help celebrate the contributions of our nation's libraries and librarians and to promote library use and support.

In addition, National Library Week was started after research, conducted during the mid-1950s, showed Americans were spending less on books and more on radios and televisions. Concern grew because Americans were spending less time reading and more time watching television and listening to the radio.

"What initiated the founding of National Library Week is even more relevant today," said Ferrara. "Advancements in technology allow for instantaneous access to entertainment, but at what price? I believe once children develop a love of reading they develop the tools to learn for a lifetime. I urge everyone to stop by their local library, take out a good book and participate in National Library Week."