National Newspaper Week, which starts Sunday, is a reminder of the value of newspapers to their communities

National Newspaper Week is coming up Oct. 3-9. This year marks the 81st year of the observance, a recognition of the value of newspapers to communities. It is sponsored by Newspaper Association Managers, the consortium of North American trade associations representing the industry.

This year's theme is "Community Forum," inspired by the work of NAM's Relevance Project, an advocacy program that touts the benefits of journalism to a community. The National Newspaper Week website has free commentaries, cartoons and house ads you can use in your publication. The organizers also encourage you to make it local by writing an editorial about your paper's unique relevance.