A student applies for financial aid online; a preschooler and his parent drop in for storytime; a library user downloads audio materials to his MP3 player from home; a senior browses the latest large-print novels; an entrepreneur looks for information on writing business plans; an out-of-town visitor uses the Wi-Fi on her laptop — every day Southern Pines Public Library is a place where people of all backgrounds grow together.

Celebrated every year since 1958, National Library Week is a time to recognize the contributions of libraries, librarians and library workers in schools and communities nationwide.

The theme for 2010 is “Communities Thrive @ Your Library!” which seems especially appropriate considering that libraries are places where the seeds of knowledge are planted and readers are grown.

Throughout the month of April, Southern Pines Public Library will be offering programs for all ages, thanks to sponsorship by the Friends of the Library.

“Be sure to drop in and see what’s blooming at any of the following free programs,” says a library spokesman.

Children 5 years old or younger are invited to attend Preschool Bunnies storytime and experience learning and growing through shared stories, songs and activities from 3:30 to 4 p.m. Wednesday, April 21, and Wednesday, April 28.

The Teen Advisory Board is sponsoring a “Peeps” diorama contest, with book characters represented by marshmallow chicks and rabbits. Winners in the two separate age categories will be on display throughout the month.

Because early years are learning years, the library will offer “Take 5 Day” Wednesday, April 14, from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. In celebration of the Week of the Young Child, parents and kids are invited to take part in a variety of fun activities that take 5 minutes or less.

At “Family Fun Night” Thursday, April 15, at 5:30 p.m. kids in grades K-2 and their parents are invited to find out what’s “Springing Up” at the library!

“Join us for stories, songs and crafts about springtime, and then stick around for a free dinner,” says a spokesman.

How can you reconnect with nature, have fun and get exercise all at the same time? Jump into a canoe and start paddling!

William McDuffie, a local veterinarian who is president of the N.C. Canoe Racing Association, will present “Adventures in Paddling” Sunday, April 18, at 3 p.m. This program is part of the library’s ongoing series “Explorations: A Forum for Adults.”

See “Poetry in Motion” on Tuesday, April 20, from 5 to 6 p.m at Pizza with Pizzazz, a monthly program for students in grades 6-8. Celebrate National Poetry Month by creating a magnetic poetry kit that’s perfect for the fridge, school lockers and other metallic surfaces. Afterward, enjoy free pizza with friends.

The annual Friends of the Library Book Sale will be held at the Southern Pines Train Depot Saturday, April 24, from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m. Proceeds from the book sale enable the Friends to provide additional programs and resources, such as multiple copies of high demand books and summer reading programs.

“Now is the time to stock up for summer vacation reading,” says the spokesman.

On Thursday, April 29, at 5:30 p.m., participants in the “BYOB” (Bring Your Own Book) Adult Discussion Group will share books from a variety of genres. No preregistration is required.

“Bring whatever you’re reading and enjoy light refreshments and great discussion,” says the spokesman.

Parents and children are invited to a special storytime to celebrate Día de los Niños (the Day of the Child) Friday, April 30, at 11 a.m. Music and other fun activities are planned as well.

For more information on these or other programs visit the library’s Web site at www.sppl.net or call (910) 692-8235.