Program Type:
Authors & Book Groups, Community Health & Wellness, Community Services, Fun & Learning, History & Genealogy, Story Time, Student SuccessProgram Description
Event Details
📚 Celebrate National Library Week!
Join us as we celebrate the power of libraries and the joy of reading during National Library Week! Explore new books, discover helpful resources, connect with your community, and see all the ways your library can inspire learning and creativity. Check our calendar for special events and activities happening throughout the week—you won’t want to miss them!
Celebration Days During National Library Week
Monday, April 20: Right to Read Day, a day for readers, advocates, and library lovers to take action to protect, defend, and celebrate the right to read. The American Library Association (ALA) kicks off National Library Week with the release of its State of America's Libraries Report, including the list of Top Ten Most Challenged Books of 2024.
Tuesday, April 21: 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 22: 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 23: Take Action for Libraries Day, a day to rally advocates to support libraries.
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 2024 celebration marked the 66th 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.
Disclaimer(s)
Photo Disclaimer
Allegany County Library System may be taking photos at library sponsored programs. Your participation in the program signifies your permission for us to use any photos that we take of you. Please speak to a librarian now if you would prefer that your photo not be taken.