A dedicated group of library “friends” are steering into their second National Library Week and plan a packed schedule of events.

     The Lincoln County Friends of the Library have worked hard to top last year’s efforts.

     Of course, library patrons and dedicated bookworms alike can count on some standby events.

     From Monday through Saturday, thousands of books will be available for sale during normal library hours.

     Titles include novels and other fiction, history, religious books, children’s books and more.

     All proceeds go toward supporting the Lincoln County Library.

     Since Pam Womack founded the Friends of the Library in Lincoln County in 2012, the group has been a continuous and visible presence in the library, working to support the library’s mission.

     Also returning from last year’s National Library Week celebration, a silent auction is planned. Bids will be taken at the library from 9 a.m. Friday until 3 p.m. Saturday.

     All items available for auction have been donated by local businesses and community members.

     New this year will be a series of lunch events designed to feature a glimpse of other area communities groups and activities.

     The events are inspired by the local group’s National Library Week theme, “Communities matter at your library.”

     Monday through Friday at noon, the group will sponsor a different event. All are invited to attend and bring a lunch.

     Monday there will be a presentation from Rita Rich concerning the Lincoln County Historical Museum.

     On Tuesday, local musician Tyler Bridge will provide a guitar demonstration and concert.

     Recreation Department Director Terry Reid will speak on Thursday.

     Thursday is set aside for an appearance by a Mississippi School of the Arts representative.

     Representing Master Gardeners of Lincoln County, Shirley Estes will provide a demonstration on container gardening on Friday.

     A viewing of the film “The Hunger Games” is also scheduled on Thursday at 3:30 p.m. The free event will also feature drinks and popcorn.

     Thursday’s event is timed to coincide with Celebrate Teen Literature Day.

     To note the occasion of National Library Week, Brookhaven Mayor Les Bumgarner signed a proclamation last week honoring the occasion.

     Among other things, Bumgarner’s proclamation noted that libraries “are the heart of their communities, campuses and schools” and “bring together community members to enrich and shape the community and address local issues.”

     His signed proclamation further praised librarians for working “to meet the changing needs of their communities, including providing resources for everyone and bringing services outside of library walls.”

     National Library Week was first observed in 1958 and has remained an annual event sponsored by the American Library Association.