American Library Association celebrates National Library Week 2024

CHICAGO — The American Library Association (ALA) is thrilled to celebrate National Library Week from April 7 to11. This year’s theme is "Ready, Set, Library!" which illustrates the idea that in an always-online world, libraries give the community a green light to connect with others, learn new skills, and focus on what matters most.

Award-winning author and National Ambassador for Young People’s Literature Meg Medina will serve as the honorary chair of National Library Week.

“Libraries connect our communities and enrich our lives in ways we may not realize, and one of my greatest pleasures is discovering the unexpected and beautiful things libraries offer,” said Medina. “From book groups to lending sports equipment to providing a safe after-school hangout space and so much more, libraries support us wherever we find ourselves on the roadmap through life’s journey.”  

In addition, ALA will kick off National Library Week by unveiling its highly anticipated list of the Top Ten Frequently Challenged Books of 2023 on Monday, April 8, along with the annual State of America’s Libraries Report. More than 4,240 unique titles were targeted for censorship, a 65% increase from the 2,571 unique titles targeted for censorship in 2022, with a majority written by or about members of the LGBTQIA+ community and people of color.

During National Library Week, the ALA invites communities to observe the following:

• Monday, April 8: Right to Read Day, a day for readers, advocates, and library lovers to take action to protect, defend, and celebrate the right to read. State of America's Libraries Report released, including the Top 10 Most Challenged Books.
• Tuesday, April 9: 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 10: 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 11: Take Action for Libraries Day, a day for all library advocates to affirm their participation in 2024 elections. The nation’s libraries play a critical role in our democracy, encouraging readers, educating voters and preparing all of us to participate in elections.

April is also School Library Month, sponsored by the American Association of School Librarians, an ALA division. School librarians are encouraged to host activities to help their school and local community celebrate the essential role that strong school libraries play in transforming learning.

National Library Week, first celebrated in 1958, is observed each April by ALA and libraries across the county. For more information on National Library Week, please visit ILoveLibraries.org/NLW or follow #NationalLibraryWeek on social media. National Library Week artwork is available for download at http://www.ala.org/news/mediapresscenter/presskits/nlw.

About the American Library Association
The American Library Association (ALA) is the foremost national organization providing resources to inspire library and information professionals to transform their communities through essential programs and services. For more than 140 years, the ALA has been the trusted voice for academic, public, school, government and special libraries, advocating for the profession and the library’s role in enhancing learning and ensuring access to information for all. For more information, visit www.ala.org.