This week the Friends of the Marcellus Free Library and Maxwell Memorial Library in Camillus are getting ready to celebrate “National Friends of Libraries Week” Oct. 16-22. You will see that this week’s newspaper edition is devoted primarily to library information and to push people from all age groups to visit your local library.

Libraries have come full circle and certainly not what they used to be. Libraries are no longer your check –out- a-book-and-go type places.

Instead these places are full of knowledge –from books to CDs to Mac computers, teaching is on display seven days a week. Cooking and iPad classes are just some of the ongoing activities that flood the libraries weekly newsletters. The library also serves as a refuge for guest speakers and political candidates, too – a great place to connect with the local community.

Libraries have undergone aesthetically pleasing renovations, too, tailoring to the needs of library goers everywhere, most noticeable at Onondaga Free Library where a full-scale face lift have left book nerds alike salivating.

Students are encouraged to take some time out of their school schedule and visit. Spice it up a bit, instead of studying in your room, go to the library, find a comfortable couch and get going on your flashcards! A change of atmosphere is sometimes better and could offer little distractions.

This week is the perfect opportunity to come out and see what the Friends are all about and grab a good book. This group wears many hats and have worked hard leading up to this special week.