Berks officials celebrate National Library Week
Public libraries are the kind of facilities that rarely demand attention.
In fact, often they are institutions that tend to go unnoticed by people.
But the Berks County commissioners took some time Thursday at their weekly meeting to shine a light on the role that the Berks County Public Library System serves in communities by issuing a proclamation to mark National Library Week.
'Our community libraries are pretty important for many different reasons, but the support that they provide to our county system is very valuable,' said Commissioners Chairman Christian Leinbach.
Commissioner Michael Rivera pointed out that the role of libraries has expanded and changed over time. He said they are places where people of all ages can gather for a variety of programs and services.
Commissioner Dante Santoni Jr. said he considers libraries to be the heartbeat of the community.
'It's not just about books — it's about being part of the community,' he said.
National Library Week aims to bring attention to the institutions that are dedicated to knowledge, entertainment and community programming. It will be observed starting April 6 with special events focusing on the 2025 theme 'Drawn to the Library.'
Stephanie Williams, administrator of the Berks County Public Library System, accepted the proclamation and stressed the importance libraries hold in the communities they serve.
'Our 23 library locations are sanctuaries of learning, access points for creativity and beacons of opportunity for individuals of all ages and backgrounds,' she said. 'Whether it's hosting community events, providing digital resources or inspiring young minds with stories, libraries enrich our lives in ways that are often invisible but always vital.'
Williams said that in 2024 nearly 200,000 patrons attended programs hosted by Berks libraries. She said the library system experienced a 5% increase in the number of visits to its facilities — bringing the total to 950,000.
'If that trend continues we will surpass 1 million visits in 2025,' she said. 'I challenge residents to visit our libraries and become part of achieving that milestone.'
Also at the meeting, the commissioners officially kicked off the planning for the next comprehensive plan that will provide a vision for the county through 2040.
David Hunter, executive director of the planning commission, said his team is ready to embark on the two-year journey to develop a new policy guide of sorts for the development of municipalities in the county.
The plan establishes a foundation for land use, development regulations and investment decisions regarding transportation, housing, municipal services, public utilities and resource conservation.
Ashley Showers, assistant director of the planning commission, said the plan serves as a guide for municipal officials tasked with making land-use decisions that balance economic growth with environmental protection and community interests.
She said that over the next two years the planning commission will strive to keep the community informed about the process through meetings.
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