Shining a light on library workers for valuable contributions - National Library Workers Day, April 11

CHICAGO – With more than 4.1 million in-person visits made to libraries every day in the U.S., library workers play an integral role in connecting library users with information, technology and opportunities to help improve the quality of their lives. April 11 is National Library Workers Day (NLWD), a time to recognize library staff members for their public service contributions in transforming lives and communities through education and lifelong learning.

Library workers are found in all types of libraries, including academic, public, school and special libraries such as prison and military libraries. Library workers are trained experts who provide library users with the tools and knowledge they need to grow and be successful in today’s complex world.

A librarian in Old Westbury, New York, teaches college students information literacy skills to correct misconceptions about online information and shows them how to evaluate and cite sources properly. In Charlemont, Massachusetts, a librarian created a summer program to provide local school children opportunities to participate in STEAM (science, technology, engineering arts and mathematics) activities, extending formal learning from the classroom. To help elementary school students keep the academic skills they have gained during the school year, a librarian in Chapel Hill, North Carolina, opened the school library during the summer to provide books and educational activities.

To show appreciation for library workers and the work they do throughout the year, the public is invited to “Submit a Star” by providing a testimonial about a favorite library employee at ala-apa.org/nlwd/#galaxy. Examples of nominations can include how library staff helped with downloading an ebook, learning 3D printing or writing a resume. Each testimonial will be posted in the “Galaxy of Stars” on the NLWD website to honor deserving library workers. To follow or post on Twitter, use the hashtag #librarystars.

Those celebrating National Library Workers Day also can share their celebrations on Twitter, using #NLWD17 and/or posting to the NLWD Facebook page facebook.com/NationalLibraryWorkersDay. For more information, please visit ala-apa.org/nlwd/.

Established in 2003, the purpose of National Library Workers Day is to acknowledge all library workers, including librarians, support staff and others who make library service possible every day. NLWD is held annually during National Library Week (April 9 – 15, 2017). NLWD is sponsored by the American Library Association-Allied Professional Association (ALA-APA).

During National Library Week, the ALA is holding an “Expert in the Library” contest. The public is asked to share what their librarian is an expert in over social media by using the hashtag #expertinthelibrary for a chance to win a $100 gift card. More information can be found at ilovelibraries.org/national-library-week.

National Library Week is an annual observance sponsored by the American Library Association and libraries across the country each April. National Library Week celebrations also include the release of the American Library Association’s 2017 “State of America’s Libraries Report” on Monday, April 10 and National Bookmobile Day on Wednesday, April 12. In addition, April is School Library Month, which is sponsored by the American Association of School Librarians, a division of the ALA.

The ALA-APA is a nonprofit professional organization established “to promote the mutual professional interests of librarians and other library workers.” The ALA-APA is a companion organization to the American Library Association, which is the oldest and largest library association in the world, with more than 57,000 members.

To schedule interviews with library experts, please contact Heather Cho, media relations specialist, ALA Public Awareness Office, at hcho@ala.org or 312-280-4020; or Macey Morales, deputy director, ALA Public Awareness Office, at mmorales@ala.org or 312-280-4393.

For more information on National Library Week, visit ILoveLibraries.org/NLW or follow #NationalLibraryWeek.

*Note: National Library Week artwork is available for download at http://www.ala.org/news/mediapresscenter/presskits/nlw