Educators and librarians in Athens want you to know that the local libraries are more than just simply buildings with books.

The Athens Clarke County Library is filled with passionate people eager to serve as a resource for the Athens community. Zach Bush, the Kid Services Coordinator, hopes to have an impact on children’s lives through storytelling. Every week, he leads interactive story times and participates in outreach programs at local pre-schools.

“It has a huge impact,” Bush said. “Both what we do here in the building and what we take into the community because that reminds these kids that there’s this wonderful resource. And it’s free.”

Bush traces his love for reading back to his childhood. His experience with children’s books and libraries gave him a love for learning. Now, he’s using his career to share his passions for others. Dozens of kids gather around during story time, enthralled with his enthusiastic stories and interactive songs. He hopes that he can play a positive, educational role in young children’s lives.

Bush said his main goal of running the program is “to create a dynamic, innovative and positive programming  for kids, so that when they come to the library they have a positive association with books, this building, reading, and their parents.”

The National Library Week was created in 1958 to celebrate people like Bush who are making a positive impact on their local communities.