All branches of the Clarence Regional Library service will join libraries across Australia to celebrate Library and Information Week 2016 from May 23-29. Library and Information Week aims to raise the profile of libraries and information service professionals in Australia and showcase the many and varied resources and services that libraries provide to the community. The event has been organised by the Australian Library and Information Association to promote the value of reading and literacy, the importance of Australia’s book industry and the role of libraries. Regional librarian Kathryn Breward said libraries were about books and more. “Books, magazines, audio books, eBooks, eAudio Books, eMagazines, databases and activities to improve social connectivity, literacy and lifestyle are the core elements of our library services,” she said. Clarence Valley Council Libraries will celebrate with a broad range of activities based around the ‘Discover more’ theme. Visitors to the libraries will be able to learn to blog, with blogging workshops being held at Grafton and Maclean, see ‘Surfing Scientist’, Ruben Meerman give an entertaining and interactive author talk, a book club gathering event on Monday, May 23, to learn about our book club packs and to join a library book club. Younger members of the community won’t miss out either, with special children’s storytimes at all libraries, with the National Simultaneous Storytime on Wednesday, May 25. The Sir Earle Page Library and Education Centre in Grafton will also host a Biggest Morning Tea from 10am-noon Thursday, May 26, where people can share a story, a cuppa and a bite. For more information about local events please contact Grafton, Maclean, mobile, Yamba, or Iluka libraries or visit www.crl.nsw.gov.au . For more information on Library and Information Week around Australia, visit www.alia.org.au/liw/