Celebrate with us from April 23-29, 2023!
The theme for National Library Week 2023, “There’s More to the Story.” Libraries are full of stories in a variety of formats from picture books to large print, audiobooks to ebooks, and more. But there’s so much more to the story. Libraries of Things lend items like museum passes, games, musical instruments, and tools. Library programming brings communities together for entertainment, education, and connection through book clubs, storytimes, movie nights, crafting classes, and lectures. Library infrastructure advances communities, providing internet and technology access, literacy skills, and support for businesses, job seekers, and entrepreneurs. National Library Week 2023 will be a great time to tell your library’s multi-faceted story
Celebrations during National Library Week
Provided by the American Library Association
- Monday, April 24: Right to Read Day, the State of America’s Libraries Report is released, including Top Ten Frequently Challenged Books of 2022.
- Tuesday, April 25: National Library Workers Day, a day for library staff, users, administrators, and Friends groups to recognize the valuable contributions made by all library workers.
- Wednesday, April 26: National Library Outreach Day(formerly National Bookmobile Day), a day to celebrate library outreach and the dedicated library professionals who are meeting their patrons where they are.
- Thursday, April 27: Take Action for Libraries Day, a day to rally advocates to support libraries.
Ways to Celebrate National Library Week
1. Visit your library [in person & online]
Whether you’re visiting in person or virtually, libraries offer the opportunity to explore new worlds through access to technology, multimedia content, and educational programs. Take time to connect with your library during National Library Week to see all they have to offer.
2. Follow your library, ALA, and I Love Libraries on social media
Be sure to follow your library on social media so you don’t miss out on all they have to offer, including the most reliable information about keeping your family safe during the uncertain times.
Follow the American Library Association and I Love Libraries on social media and join us on social media by using the hashtags #NationalLibraryWeek and #LibrariesTransform.
- ALA accounts: Twitter: @ALALibrary | Facebook: @AmericanLibraryAssociation | Instagram: @americanlibraryassociation
- I Love Libraries: Twitter: @IloveLibraries | Facebook @ILoveLibraries
- Bellmore Memorial Library Accounts: Twitter: @bellmorelibrary | Facebook: @bellmorelibrary | Instagram: @bellmorelibrary
More information about National Library Week!
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.