It’s National Library Week, and like many libraries around the country the Perry Public Library has had to adjust their observance due to it being closed to the public during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Library Director Mary Murphy shares why it’s still important to recognize the contributions of public libraries. “Every year, we take one week out of the year for National Library Week, to honor and kind of respect the history that has gone before us about what libraries do in their community, and how they are the connectors in our community. That’s how we have perceived our role in our community, is that we connect our residents to ideas, information, and experiences to enrich their lives and build community.”

Murphy says some of their usual activities won’t be held, like the “Food for Fines” program and free cookies each day. Instead, they’ll be collecting donations to the Perry Area Food Pantry. She says any donations are welcome, but in particular the pantry needs peanut butter, canned soup, tooth brushes, tooth paste, and shampoo. Cash donations will also be accepted. There will be a cart set up by the east entrance to the library, so patrons won’t have to worry about coming in contact with others.

To learn more about National Library Week and other Perry Library topics, listen to today’s Perry Fareway Let’s Talk Dallas County program on air and at RaccoonValleyRadio.com.