National Library Week
National Library Week was first celebrated in 1958 in response to American spending more time with their radios and TVs than their libraries with the theme, “Wake Up and Read”.
Description & History
National Library Week was first celebrated in 1958 in response to American spending more time with their radios and TVs than their libraries with the theme, “Wake Up and Read”. All libraries were encouraged to participate and celebrate, regardless of type. Timeline, past themes and honorary chairpersons of National Library Week are available.
- Right to Read Day: Monday
- National Library Workers Day: Tuesday
- National Library Outreach Day: Wednesday
- Take Action for Libraries Day: Thursday
Professional Learning Resources
National Library Week 2026 Theme
Participate in this year’s National Library Week theme of “Find Your Joy”. Free resources and social media graphics are included.
Show Up for Our Libraries
A new ALA initiative to advocate for libraries, this resource includes templates to tell your story, to promote advocacy for libraries from others, and gives access policy tools.
AASL Standards Framework
Help educate about the standards that govern your work and promote to your community.
AASL Standards Crosswalks
The AASL Standards Crosswalks can help you in your collaboration with teachers.
eLearning through AASL
AASL has a variety of webinars and videos on topics from graphic novels to marketing your library to engage in your professional learning. Some webinars are free while others are available for a fee. (Free for AASL members.)
AASL Toolkits
Take advantage of the toolkits that AASL provides to assist you in your learning and pedagogy.
Learner Engagement Resources
NYPL Coloring Sheets
Share these library themed coloring sheets from the New York Public Library store with your students.
Thank You Cards
Use this Canva template to make thank you cards that students can fill out while in the library.
Create a Cartoon (Digital)
Guide your students through creating their own library-themed cartoon.
Create a Cartoon (Printable)
Guide your students through creating their own library-themed cartoon.
Library of Congress
Take your students on a virtual tour of the Library of Congress and its various parts.
Virtual Library Tours
Take a virtual tour of some famous libraries.
I Love Libraries Photo Competition
Have your students participate in the I Love Libraries Photo Competition.
Book Lists
Books Celebrating the School Library
A canva template that can be edited to reflect your collection. Intended for elementary to high school.
Libraries Gone Wild! 14 Imaginative Picture Books About Libraries
Read Brightly has curated 14 Picture Books about Libraries.
Picture Books That Celebrate Libraries and the Joy of Reading
The New York Public Library has a list celebrating picture books about the library.
