National Library Week 2022: Connect with Your Library
Molly Shannon, multiple Emmy-nominated and Spirit Award-winning actress, comedian, and legendary Saturday Night Live cast member, will help celebrate our nation’s libraries as the honorary chair of National Library Week, April 3–9, 2022.
“I am so honored to serve as honorary chair of National Library Week for 2022. My mom was a librarian. She encouraged kids to read. So, the work of librarians and libraries has such a special place in my heart.
Libraries are places where communities connect—to things like broadband, computers, programs and classes, books, movies, video games, and more. But most importantly, libraries connect us to each other. Supporting National Library Week in this role allows me to connect to my mother's memory and all the librarians out there. Thank you for everything you do."
The theme for National Library Week 2022, “Connect with Your Library,” promotes the idea that libraries are places to get connected to technology by using broadband, computers, and other resources. Libraries also offer opportunities to connect with media, programs, ideas, and classes—in addition to books. Most importantly libraries also connect communities to each other. Overall, the theme is an explicit call to action—an invitation for communities to join, visit, or advocate for their local libraries.
How to Celebrate
1. Visit your library.
Whether you're visiting in person or virtually, libraries offer the opportunity to connect with 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. #UniteAgainstBookBans
National Library Week kicked off with the release of the State of America's Libraries Report, highlighting the Top Ten Most Challenged Books of 2021 and the unprecedented number of attempts to ban books last year. ALA’s Office for Intellectual Freedom tracked 729 challenges to more than 1,597 individual books. That's the highest number recorded since they began collecting data about censorship.
In response, ALA initiated a national campaign to Unite Against Book Bans. If you agree that individual parents should not be making reading decisions for other parents’ children, please join the campaign and share why you're opposed to book bans in school and public libraries.
2. Participate in the #MyLibrary promotion on social media.
As National Library Week Honorary Chair Molly Shannon says, "Libraries are places where communities connect—to things like broadband, computers, programs and classes, books, movies, video games, and more." During National Library Week 2022, we're asking you to share the connections you've made thanks to your library. Did you find a great book? Get access to computers? Attend a great program or storytime? Did you make new friends at the library’s book club?
Tell us by posting to Instagram, Twitter, or on the I Love Libraries Facebook page. Use the hashtag #MyLibrary. We'll gather all the entries, and one randomly selected winner will receive a $100 Visa gift card. The promotion starts Sunday, April 3 at noon CT and ends on Saturday, April 9 at noon CT. Don’t forget to tag your library!
If you love your library, say it loud and proud: vocal community support helps libraries secure much-needed funding and reminds hardworking library staff that their efforts are appreciated. Participating in the #MyLibrary promotion is a quick, easy way to help your library thrive!
Twitter/Facebook | Instagram
![Social media graphic: My library connects me to [fill in the blank for a chance to win] National Lirbary Week, American Library Association](https://ala.org/conferencesevents/sites/ala.org.conferencesevents/files/content/celebrationweeks/natlibraryweek/MyLibrary-Social-Media.png)
4. 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 these uncertain times.
- Post one of our available graphics to your social media account and join the conversation by using the hashtags #NationalLibraryWeek.
- Don't forget to follow the American Library Association and I Love Libraries on social media!
ALA accounts: Twitter: @ALALibrary | Facebook: @AmericanLibraryAssociation | Instagram: @americanlibraryassociation>
I Love Libraries: Twitter: @IloveLibraries | Facebook @ILoveLibraries
Free National Library Week Tools
Proclamation (Word doc) | Proclamation in Spanish (Word doc)
Sample Press Release (Word doc) | Sample Press Release in Spanish (Word doc)
10, 15, 20, and 30 second Broadcast Quality Audio PSAs
8.5" x 11" Mini-poster (PDF) | 8.5" x 11" Mini-poster in Spanish (PDF)
8.5" x 11" Mini-poster with Space to Customize (PDF) | 8.5" x 11" Mini-poster with Space to Customize in Spanish (PDF)
11" x 17" Mini-poster (PDF) | 11" x 17" Mini-poster in Spanish (PDF)
National Library Week Coloring Page (PDF) | National Library Week Coloring Page in Spanish (PDF)
Digital Graphics
Post these National Library Week graphics featuring Honorary Chair Molly Shannon on your social media pages, blogs, and websites!/
Twitter Share | Twitter Share in Spanish
Twitter Header | Twitter Header in Spanish
Facebook Share | Facebook Share in Spanish
Facebook Cover | Facebook Cover in Spanish
Instagram Share | Instagram Share in Spanish
Boombox 300 x 250px | Boombox 300 x 250px in Spanish
Skyscraper 160 x 600px | Skyscraper 160 x 600px in Spanish
Leaderboard 720 x 90px | Leaderboard 720 x 90px in Spanish
Banner 1200 x 447px | Banner 1200 x 447px in Spanish
Banner 1500 x 450px | Banner 1500 x 450px in Spanish
Canva Templates
Use these customizable Canva templates for social media posts to promote National Library Week and the resources available at your library. Add your library logo and replace "Your Library" with the resource or program you want to promote.
Visit the ALA Store for Connect with Your Library poster, mini-poster, and bookmarks!
Celebration Days During National Library Week
Monday, April 4: State of America's Libraries Report released, including Top Ten Frequently Challenged Books of 2021.
Tuesday, April 5: 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 6: 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 7: 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 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.
Future National Library Week dates:
National Library Week is made possible by:
Join ALA's Libraries Transform public awareness campaign for year-round access to public awareness tools and tips.
Thank you to ALA Library Champions for supporting ALA’s efforts in raising public awareness for libraries and librarians.
Thank you to Dollar General Literacy Foundation for funding The American Dream Starts @ your library program.