WHEELING — The Ohio County Public Library encourages all community members to visit their library in person or online during National Library Week this week.

The OCPL offers a wide array of programs, classes and resources that are available in person or from the comfort of home. To celebrate National Library Week, the OCPL will be offering special programs, contests, giveaways and more throughout the week.

April 3-9, 2022 is National Library Week, a time to highlight the essential role libraries, librarians and library workers play in transforming lives and strengthening communities. The theme for this year’s National Library Week is “Connect with Your Library,” which promotes the idea that libraries are places to get connected to technology by using broadband, computers and other resources. Libraries also offer opportunities to connect with media, programs, ideas and classes, in addition to books. Most importantly, libraries also connect communities to each other.

Adults and children of all ages have a variety of programs to choose from during the week. All events are free.

Monday, April 4

– Noon in the Children’s Department: Oglebay Good Zoo — meet and learn about some of the animals from the Good Zoo.

Tuesday, April 5

– Noon in the Auditorium: Lunch with Books program — “The Lost History of Frederick Douglass in Wheeling,” by John Muller and Justin McNeil

– 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. in the Children’s Department: Library Lego Club

Wednesday, April 6

– Noon in the Auditorium: Connect with OCPL — Getting started with E-books and Audiobooks

– 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. in the Children’s Department: Puzzle Palooza

Thursday, April 7

– Noon to 3 p.m. in the Auditorium: Wheeling Health Right will be hosting a Community Colorectal Education and Screening event

– 6:30 p.m. in the Auditorium: Towngate Children’s Theatre presents The Reluctant Dragon

Friday, April 8

– Noon in the Auditorium: Gardening Basics Workshop presented by Master Gardener Ralph Dunkin. Free plants and seedlings available.

– 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. in the Children’s Department: Friday Fun Day — board games and more.

Watch for other announcements and contests on the library’s official social media pages. Post pictures and use the hashtag #IloveOCPL.

First sponsored in 1958, National Library Week is a national observance sponsored by the American Library Association and libraries of all types across the country each April. For more information, visit the library’s website at www.ohiocountylibrary.org or call 304-232-0244.