National Library Week | April 7 - 13, 2024
National Library Week is an annual celebration highlighting the valuable role libraries, librarians, and library workers play in transforming lives and strengthening our communities.
In the mid-1950s, research showed that Americans were spending less on books and more on radios, televisions and musical instruments. Concerned that Americans were reading less, the ALA and the American Book Publishers formed a nonprofit citizens organization called the National Book Committee in 1954. The committee's goals were ambitious. They ranged from "encouraging people to read in their increasing leisure time" to "improving incomes and health" and "developing strong and happy family life." In 1957, the committee developed a plan for National Library Week based on the idea that once people were motivated to read, they would support and use libraries. With the cooperation of ALA and with help from the Advertising Council, the first National Library Week was observed in 1958 with the theme "Wake Up and Read!" The 2018 celebration marked the 60th anniversary of the first event. Read more about the history of National Library Week at American Libraries magazine, and check out the list of past National Library Week themes. |
Sunday, April 7:
Hey library lovers, it's that time of year again--National Library Week! We need your help spreading some library love by sharing what you appreciate most about the services and resources your library provides.
Do you love getting lost in the stories of the library’s summer reading program, storytime, or book club? When you walk through the library’s doors, are you looking for a quiet nook to study or a makerspace to harness your creativity? What’s your favorite thing to check out—books, movies, cake pans, seeds? Do you attend programs to enrich your mind, meet local authors, or find support from your community? We want to know how YOU library! Participating is easy:
What's in it for you? In addition to the gratification of supporting libraries, there’s also a chance to win great prizes.
So, let's see those book stacks, creative reading spots, and all the adventures that libraries take you on! If you don’t have a photo to share, check out the Library Elements graphics at ilovelibraries.org. The promotion starts Sunday, April 7, at noon CT and ends Friday, April 12, at noon CT. Join the #HowILibrary movement, and let's make this the best National Library Week ever! Official Rules (PDF) Monday, April 8:
Right to Read Day is a National Day of Action in support of the right to read. The State of America's Libraries Report is released, including Top Ten Most Challenged Books of 2023. #RightToReadDay
Tuesday, April 9:
National Library Workers Day, a day for everyone to recognize the valuable contributions made by library workers. #NLWD24
Wednesday, April 10:
National Library Outreach Day, a day for the dedicated library professionals who are meeting their patrons where they are. #LibraryOutreachDay
Thursday, April 11:
Take Action for Libraries Day, a day for all library advocates to affirm their participation in 2024 elections. #TakeActionForLibraries
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