Harlem --- “How do I love thee? Let me count the ways,” wrote Elizabeth Barrett Browning back in the 1800s. This month, Harlem, Fort Belknap, and Big Flat community members can count the ways they love the Harlem Public Library during Library Lovers Month.

Library Lovers Month is an international celebration hosted by libraries from Alaska to Australia as a way to celebrate the many things that libraries provide to patrons. This year, Harlem Public Library decided to join in the celebration.

“Montana libraries are community anchors that enhance civic engagement, cultural opportunities, lifelong learning, and economic vitality throughout our state,” said State Librarian, Jennie Stapp. “The month of February is a great time for us to highlight some of the many reasons people love their libraries so much and for library patrons to let us know what they love about us.”

A few of the reasons to love the Harlem Public Library include: Books and Babies, Story Hour, Lego Club, The Book Club, technology classes, adult programs, free Internet and Wi-Fi, the Reading Rooms and a wonderful selection of books!

“At the Harlem Public Library, we love having the opportunity to serve our community every day by helping them find the information they need, offering the classes and programming they want, and providing the ultimate place to gather with friends and family,” said Colleen Brommer, Director. “We invite our patrons to visit the library in February and let us know just what it is that they love about us.”

Patrons are invited to come in this month to guess the number of Valentine candies in the jar, receive a personal Valentine, and see the special “library lovers” display.

“Montana libraries are a powerful asset to the communities they serve,” said Stapp. “They embrace lifelong learning and contribute to civic life in our state, making it easier for Montanans to find work, get an education, and lead healthy lives; plus they make it easier and less expensive for everyone – businesses, researchers, scientists, writers, and entrepreneurs – to find the information and data they need to build a strong economy and experience a rich quality of life.”