Library. The word itself smells of books old and new, in their different places on wooden shelves. Books bring the feeling of home to readers, and adventure and discovery, along with romance and horror to everyone.

A place for total and complete enjoyment, libraries give access to many children and adults who don’t want to or can’t buy books that they want to read. Having access to millions of books can change peoples’ lives- in their manner of speech, attitude, and even personality. They can learn without having a teacher around, enjoy without the use of brain-killing video games, and live in a happier and freer lifestyle.

When, in the mid-1950’s, people were showing less of an interest in books and instead, devoting more time to radios, televisions, and musical instruments, the American Library Association joined American Book Publishers to make a citizens’ non-profit organization. Later, a plan made to help people become more motivated to read, came into action, and they called it, “National Library Week.” Still celebrated today, National Library Week is a week to celebrate libraries and all the ways they have impacted our world.

National Library Week continues to give our nation a reminder of the significance of libraries. “Libraries provide the same access to information to anyone who uses them, and provide great opportunities for reading for fun and participating in activities,” Ms. Stiles, Canyon Vista’s librarian, said.

As a matter of fact, she stated, “Did you know that kids that go to schools with quality school libraries score better on standardized tests? It’s true!”

But that wasn’t the most important thing to her. “The fact that’s much more important to me is that libraries are a place where everyone belongs.”

This week, a part of National Library Week, the Canyon Vista library is hosting a poll to vote on the new celebrity READ poster that will hang in the library. “The celebrities featured on our READ posters now are Missy Elliott, Yo Yo Ma, George Lopez, Tony Hawk, the cast of ‘Twilight’ and the cast of ‘The Hunger Games.’ It’s time to get a few new posters!” Ms. Stiles commented.

The new poster choices available to students include Seth Myers, Lily Collins, Spider-man, the cast of ‘The Big Bang Theory’ and Shailene Woodley from ‘Divergent.’

Be sure to vote for your favorite poster! While you’re there, admire the sanctuary filled with stories and say thank you to our librarian for changing our lives one book at a time.