National Library Week 2021: Welcome to Your Library
The theme for National Library Week (April 4-10, 2021), “Welcome to Your Library,” promotes the idea that libraries extend far beyond the four walls of a building – and that everyone is welcome to use their services. During the pandemic libraries have been going above and beyond to adapt to our changing world by expanding their resources and continuing to meet the needs of their users. Whether people visit in person or virtually, libraries offer opportunities for everyone to explore new worlds and become their best selves through access to technology, multimedia content, and educational programs.
Natalie Portman is 2021 National Library Week Honorary Chair
Actress, author, and activist Natalie Portman is lending her star power to shine a spotlight on our nation’s libraries as the honorary chair of National Library Week 2021. She will help highlight the essential role libraries, librarians, and library workers play in serving their communities, especially during challenging times.
Portman is an Academy Award-winning actress, director, producer, and activist whose credits include “Black Swan,” “Jackie,” and the upcoming “Thor: Love and Thunder.” A lifelong fan of books, she shares the books she’s reading on her Instagram feed, as part of Natalie Portman's Book Club, using the hashtag #whatnatreads. Born in Jerusalem, Israel, she is a graduate of Harvard University, and now lives with her family in Los Angeles. Natalie Portman’s “Fables” is her debut picture book.
Celebrations during National Library Week
- Monday, April 5: State of America's Libraries Report released, including Top Ten Frequently Challenged Books of 2020.
- Tuesday, April 6: 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 7: National Library Outreach Day, a day to celebrate library outreach and the dedicated library professionals who are meeting their patrons where they are.
- Thursday, April 8: Take Action for Libraries Day, a day to rally advocates to support libraries.
Librarians: Check out our Day-By-Day Guide to Celebrating National Library Week 2021
Ways to Celebrate National Library Week
1. Visit your library [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. Sit in on A National Library Week Conversation with Dan Rather
Join Booklist's Donna Seaman and Dan Rather for a live conversation about his recent book, "What Unites Us: Reflections on Patriotism" in celebration of Take Action for Libraries Day, on Thursday, April 8.
Registration is free and open to all, but space is limited, so sign up now. The event is sponsored by United for Libraries, Booklist, and the American Library Association.
3. Participate in the #MyLibraryIs promotion on social media
Celebrate National Library Week 2021 by sharing what you love about the resources and services available at your library. Post to Instagram, Twitter, or on the I Love Libraries Facebook page, about an e-book, audiobook, virtual storytime or bookclub, or how your library has made a difference while you've been social distancing at home. Use the hashtag #MyLibraryIs. We'll gather all the entries, and one randomly selected winner will receive a $100 Visa gift card. The promotion starts Sunday, April 4 at noon CT and ends on Saturday, April 10 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 #MyLibraryIs promotion is a quick, easy way to help your library thrive!
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 and #LibrariesTransform.
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 Tools to Celebrate
Proclamation (Word doc) | Proclamation in Spanish (Word doc)
Sample Press Release (Word doc) | Sample Press release in Spanish (Word doc)
Sample Social Media Posts (Word doc) | Sample Social Media Posts in Spanish (Word doc)
PSA Scripts (Word doc) | Sample PSA Scripts in Spanish (Word doc)
10, 15, 20, and 30 second Broadcast Quality Audio PSAs
Activity Pages
National Library Week Word Search Activity Page (PDF)
National Library Week Coloring Page (PDF)
National Library Week Coloring Page in Spanish (PDF)
Natalie Portman graphics
Post these National Library Week Natalie Portman graphics on your social media pages, blogs and websites!
Twitter Share | Facebook Share | Instagram Share
Twitter Header | Facebook Cover
Boombox 33 x 250px | Skyscraper 160 x 600 px
Leaderboard 720 x 90px | 1200 x 447px
Graphics with the “Welcome to Your Library” theme
Share these “Welcome to Your Library” graphics on your websites, social media channels, e-newsletters and more!
Twitter Share | Twitter Share in Spanish
Facebook Share | Facebook Share in Spanish
Instagram Share | Instagram Share in Spanish
Twitter Header | Twitter Header in Spanish
Facebook Cover | Facebook Cover in Spanish
Instagram Story | Instagram Story in Spanish
Boombox 33 x 250px | Boombox in Spanish
Skyscraper 160 x 600 px | Skyscraper in Spanish
Leaderboard 720 x 90 px | Leaderboard in Spanish
Slide Format 1200 x 447px | Slide Format in Spanish
Libraries Transform Because Statements
The new Libraries Transform Because Statement, Because investing in libraries is an investment in our communities, was created especially for Take Action for Libraries Day, Thursday of National Library Week.
Check out all the Because Statements at librariestransform.org, many have messages that are a great fit for National Library Week. Registration is required, but the tools are free!
Print: 11 x 17 Poster | 11 x 17 Poster with room for your logo | Postcard | Bookmarks
Digital graphics: Instagram share | Twitter share | Facebook cover | Twitter cover
Canva template to promote resources available at your library
Twitter template
Facebook template
Instagram template
8.5" x 11" flyer template
![Canva template sized for Twitter: Welcome to your library. We offer our community access to: [add your offerings here]](/conferencesevents/sites/ala.org.conferencesevents/files/content/NLW21%20-%20Twitter%20Share%20Template.png)
National Library Week Materials from ALA Graphics
The National Library Week poster and other promotional materials featuring the “Welcome to Your Library” theme are available for purchase through the ALA Store; T-shirts, totes, and other print-on-demand items are for sale at bit.ly/GraphicsGiftShop.
ALA Store purchases fund advocacy, awareness, and accreditation programs for library professionals worldwide.
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.