This year April 13-19 marks the 50th anniversary of National Library Week. It's a time to celebrate the contributions of libraries, librarians and library workers in schools, campuses and communities nationwide -- and the perfect time to discover how you can join the circle of knowledge at the library.

Every day people visit their library for entertainment, self-help or to find their place in the community. With free resources like books, magazines, DVDs and computer and wifi access, libraries help people find new jobs, do better in school, tackle projects and learn new ways to improve their health.

One week just isn't long enough to experience all that libraries have to offer, so Southern Pines Public Library is celebrating National Library Week throughout the month of April with programs for all ages.

From 2 to 4 p.m. Thursday, April 10, the library's ongoing film series "Oldies & Goodies" presents "No Man of Her Own," a 1932 screwball comedy about a card shark (Clark Gable) who falls for a small-town librarian (Carole Lombard). Interestingly, this was the only time Gable and Lombard -- a couple in real life -- appeared onscreen together.

"Enjoy this classic film and a cup of afternoon tea," says a spokesman.

Want to find homes for your excess plants, cuttings, bulbs or volunteersand acquire a whole bunch of new ones? Attend the Spring Plant Exchange at 3 p.m. Sunday, April 13. Moore County Master Gardener Dolores Muller will be on hand to answer questions and dish the "dirt" on gardening in the Sandhills. She will also have a presentation on drought-tolerant plants. This program is part of the library's ongoing series "Explorations: A Forum for Adults."

At 11 a.m. Saturday, April 19, the library makes way for ducklingsand frogs, turtles, fish, and beavers as children in grades K-2 are invited to learn more about their "Pond Friends," with stories, songs, and crafts at "Saturday Morning Live."

At 3 p.m. Saturday, April 19, at 3 p.m. participants in the "Murder by the Book" Adult Mystery Book Discussion Program will delve into "Wild Indigo," by Sandi Ault. In this action-packed mystery, the heroine must contend with shamans, the FBI, missing children, newspaper reporters, a Forest Service boyfriend and a rescued wolf cub.

"See the desk to reserve a copy of 'Wild Indigo' today," says the spokesman. "Pre-registration is not required to join nor to attend."

The "Read to Your Bunny" program for toddlers and infants, along with their parents, continues with interactive stories, songs and rhymes that encourage emerging language skills.

"These story sessions are a great way to meet other parents while sharing fun language development activities with your child," says the spokesman. "After all, it's never too soon to start raising a reader."

Toddler Bunnies (15-36 mos.) will meet from 10:30-10:50 a.m. Wednesday, April 23. The Infant Bunnies (birth14 mos.) will meet from 3:30 to 4 p.m. Tuesdays, April 8, April 22, and April 29.

For bibliophiles or those just looking for bargains, the annual Friends of the Library Book Sale will be held at the Southern Pines Train Depot Saturday, April 26, from 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. and on Sunday, April 27, from 1 to 4 p.m. Proceeds from the book sale enable the Friends of the Library to provide additional programs and resources that enhance the quality of service to the community, such as multiple copies of high-demand books, summer reading programs, and adult discussion programs.

In addition to the various programs going on throughout the month, during National Library Week (April 13-19) Southern Pines Public Library will be having a "How Well Do You Know Your Library?" contest. Cardholders are invited to answer a few simple questions about SPPL. All those answering correctly will be entered into a drawing for a $25 gift certificate from The Country Bookshop.

For more information on these upcoming programs visit Southern Pines Public Library's Web site at www.sppl.net or call 692-8235.