Don’t be afraid to return that overdue library book

By ROBERT LINNEHAN | The Haddonfield Sun

Do you stare at an unreturned library book from 1998, ashamed by the tome that you’ve had checked out of the library for the past 12 years? Library scofflaws can take advantage of National Library Week from April 11 to April 18, where the Haddonfield Public Library will allow for any material to be returned without fine.

A special children’s week at the library will also be held from May 10 to May 16.

After returning the late material, visitors can explore the library and engage in some special programming planned for the national week highlighting the importance of libraries.

National Library Week is an annual celebration of the contributions of the nation’s libraries and librarians, Library Director Susan Briant said. The library has a variety of special activities and programs scheduled for the week, she said, including the popular “no fine” week that many take advantage of.

For the entire week any late material returned to the library will not face fines, she said. However, the public library asks that people taking advantage of the opportunity should bring in a canned good or other non-perishable food item that the library can donate to the Food Bank of South Jersey. It’s a good way to help the less fortunate during these tough economic times, Briant said.

The library is also hosting a special competition for library visitors, Briant said. People can pick up forms and describe the best way that the public library helps them save money, the director said. Forms are available to both adults and children and the best entries will be posted on the library’s Web site and will be awarded money-saving prizes.

Forms will be accepted from April 11 to May 16.

A special book signing is scheduled for Wednesday, April 14 from 7 to 8:30 p.m. Local author Pam Jenoff will be discussing her latest book, “Almost Home,” and will be signing her novels for attendants. Her new piece of fiction explores the aftermath of WWII and its effect on Eastern Europe.

Jenoff is also the author of “The Kommandant’s Girl” and “The Diplomat’s Wife.” Jenoff has a Master’s degree in History from Cambridge University and is also a graduate of the University of Pennsylvania Law School.

For more information on National Library Week, Brian asked that guests please visit the library’s Web site at haddonfieldlibrary.org.