Kudos to The Union for its series of articles and fundraising campaign for the Nevada County Library system this week, which is — which was, after all — National Library Week!

Shame on us local bloggers, who sat on our butts and didn’t say a word about National Library Week.

I count myself at the top of the Hall of Shame list, because I was in the forefront of the campaign last year to oppose privatization, having written several dozen articles on the subject at that time.

Starting last Saturday, April 9th, with an article by Madelyn Helling, The Union featured articles every day on various aspects of the local library system.

In the preface to Madelyn Helling’s kickoff article last Saturday, the Union Editor said, “National Library Week begins Sunday. The Union will begin a series of stories on Monday spotlighting our libraries and the challenges they face. The series will culminate Friday with a request for donations through Friends of Nevada County Libraries.”

Here’s a list of the articles in the series:

“Liberty and Libraries for All,” by Madelyn Helling (Saturday, April 9th).

“Tradition meets the future at county library,” by Ingrid Knox and
Dian Schaffhauser (Monday, April 11th).

“Foley Library: It’s all about the history,” by Ingrid Knox and
Dian Schaffhauser (Tuesday, April 12th).

“A dual-purpose branch: Bear River Library Station,” by Ingrid Knox and Dian Schaffhauser (Wednesday, April 13th).

“Storefront serves patrons of Penn Valley Library,” by Ingrid Knox and Dian Schaffhauser (Thursday, the 14th).

“Nevada County residents support their libraries,” by Ingrid Knox and Dian Schaffhauser (Friday, April 15th.

“Library budget continues to shrink,” by Kyle Magin (Friday the 15th).

“Historic library shares digital-age resources,” by Ingrid Knox and Dian Schaffhauser (Friday, April 15th).

“Big business at small-town libraries,” by Mary Ann Trygg (Saturday, April 16th).

“State library funds more than $8,700 for local services,” by Union staff (Saturday, April 16th).

“Nevada County Library holds volunteers in high esteem,” Mary Ann Trygg (Saturday, April 16th).

Big thanks to The Union for its steadfast and energetic support of a vital institution in our local community.