I feel a little bad to bring this up a couple days later than I should have, but if you haven't visited your local library in awhile, or especially if you are a regular, you should visit. Send a card. Or call. Your local librarian misses you.

Actually, he or she probably doesn't -- library visitation is on the upswing in the recession as people flock to use its services to help them find a job -- but we are in the midst of National Library Week (April 12-18). Across the nation, libraries are holding special events to remind people that even in this age of the Internet, libraries are still relevant.

One activity that I particularly like and can get behind is the concept of "Fine Free Days." The Craft Memorial Library in Bluefield, West Virginia are allowing patrons to return overdue videos and books from now until the end of the month without being charged.

The Charles J. Keffer Library in Minneapolis is hosting a mini golf tournament on the campus of the University of Minnesota at 4 p.m. on Thursday.

In Indianapolis, Conner Prairie, a very cool historic village (at least I enjoyed it, when I was there several years ago), is giving visitors a $3 discount in honor of National Library Week.

And -- well, you get the idea. Things are happening. Wherever you live and read, your library is bound to be doing something special and free (and, boy, do we all like free), such as hosting a crafts fair or a story-telling event or showing a kids' movie.

So get out there now and show some love for your local library. Your librarian will thank you.