Thank you to Honorary Chair Kelly Yang and everyone who participated in National Library Week 2023. National Library Week 2024 will be celebrated April 7-13. The 2024 theme and honorary chair will be announced in early December.
Celebration Days During National Library Week
Monday, April 8: Right to Read Day is a National Day of Action in support of the right to read. The State of America's Libraries Report is released, including Top Ten Most Challenged Books of 2023.
Tuesday, April 9: National Library Workers Day, a day for everyone to recognize the valuable contributions made by library workers.
Wednesday, April 10: National Library Outreach Day, a day the dedicated library professionals who are meeting their patrons where they are.
Thursday, April 11: Take Action for Libraries Day, a day to rally advocates to urge members of Congress to protect the freedom to read.
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 2023 celebration marks the 65th 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.
National Library Week is made possible by:
Thank you to ALA Library Champions for supporting ALA’s efforts in raising public awareness for libraries and librarians.