National Library Week, April 14-20, celebrates the role of libraries

CHICAGO — Communities nationwide are celebrating the contributions of libraries – including school, academic, public and special libraries - and library workers during National Library Week, April 14 – 20, 2013, sponsored by the American Library Association (ALA). This year’s theme is “Communities matter @ your library.”

Libraries provide key resources as budgets are reduced, speaking out forcefully against book-banning attempts and advocating for free access to digital content in libraries.

As ALA President Maureen Sullivan stated in an opinion piece on the value of a library and information science degree, “In more than 16,000 public libraries across the U.S. librarians offer a lifeline to people trying to adapt to challenging economic circumstances by providing technology training and online resources for employment, access to government resources, continuing education, retooling for new careers and starting a small business.

“More than 74 percent of libraries offer software and other resources to help patrons create resumes and employment materials, and 72 percent of libraries report that staffs help patrons complete online job applications. Libraries have also fueled renewed interest in and use of library services. Americans are capitalizing on free access to books, magazines, e-books, DVDs, the Internet and professional assistance.

“More than ever, libraries are community hubs, and it is the librarian who works to maintain a safe harbor for teens, a point of contact for the elderly and a place to nurture lifelong learning for all.”

Thousands of celebrations will take place during National Library Week.

Monday, April 15, the ALA releases its “State of America’s Libraries Report.” The report is one of the most comprehensive reports that offers library usage and funding trends available. The Report also will include the highly anticipated “Top Ten List of the Most Frequently Challenged Books of 2012.”

Tuesday, April 16, is National Library Workers Day, as libraries and communities recognize librarians, support staff and others who make library service possible every day.

Wednesday, April 17, is National Bookmobile Day, which recognizes the role of bookmobiles and direct‐delivery outreach services. For more than 100 years, library bookmobiles continue to provide access to information and technology and supply resources for life‐long learning.

Thursday, April 18, is Celebrate Teen Literature Day. Libraries will showcase their services and programs for young adult users.

April is School Library Month, which is sponsored by the American Association of School Librarians, a division of ALA, and shares the same theme with National Library Week. Activities highlight the value and impact of school libraries and librarians.

The 2013 National Library Week Honorary Chair is best-selling author Caroline Kennedy. Well known for her public service and charitable work, Kennedy is also an advocate for reading, literacy and libraries.

First sponsored in 1958, National Library Week is a national observance sponsored by the American Library Association (ALA) and libraries across the country each April. It is a time to celebrate the contributions of our nation's libraries and librarians and to promote library use and support. All types of libraries - school, public, academic and special - participate.

For more information on National Library Week please visit www.ala.org/@yourlibrary .

Contacts: Macey Morales

Media Relations Manager

(312) 280-4393

mmorales@ala.org

Steve Zalusky

Communications Manager

(312) 280-1546

szalusky@ala.org