Libraries work because of the people who work in them. National Library Week is April 13-19 with the theme “Join the circle of knowledge @ your library.” National Library Week started because research showed that Americans were spending less on books and more on radios, televisions and musical instruments. That was in 1954.

The American Library Association and the American Book Publishers started the National Book Committee to encourage people to read in their leisure time and to develop a strong and happy family life through reading. The committee started National Library Week in 1958 with the theme “Wake Up and Read!” It is now a national observance across the country – a time to celebrate the contributions of our nation’s libraries and librarians.

National Library Workers Day started in 2003. It is celebrated the Tuesday of National Library Week and this year falls on April 15. This is a day for staff, users, administrators and friends groups to recognize the valuable contributions made by library workers.

You may not think about what library staff does when not at the library. Or if you do, you probably assume that they go home and read books. And, many do. However, it has been my experience that many talented people work in libraries.

The Fogler Library at the University of Maine organized a small display of pieces of art created by those who work in the building. The display will be in cases and along a corridor on the first floor, where they will remain through mid-May.

The public is invited to view the approximately one dozen pieces of art – photography, ceramics, wood carvings, ink drawings and other craft pieces that will be on exhibit.

While you are enjoying the coming of spring, you may want to visit your favorite library on April 15 to wish those behind the counter – and even behind the scenes – a Happy National Library Workers Day. It could be a lot of fun and will be greatly appreciated.

April is also Poetry Month and Jazz Month. The Bangor Public Library will celebrate these two great art forms.

The annual Poets/Speak program will be held at 5 p.m. Wednesday, April 16. The event will celebrate the publication of “A Coastal Companion” by Catherine Schmitt. The book is a journey through the year in the Gulf of Maine. It follows the arrival and departure of migrating shorebirds in spring and fall, schools of fish as they move in and out of the region, and the natural cycles of bays, rivers, marshes and coastal forests.

Part field guide, part almanac, the book highlights writers, artists and scientists who have chosen the Gulf of Maine as their subject matter. Poems by 12 contemporary poets open each chapter, and illustrations by two Maine artists are featured throughout the text.

To celebrate jazz, the library will show a classic film, “Great Day in Harlem” at 6 p.m. Tuesday, April 15. The film from 1958 features many of the legends from our musical heritage. And, The Terry Lidral Duo will perform a free concert at 2 p.m. Saturday, April 26, in the library’s lecture hall.