Celebrate National Library Week April 7-13, 2019
2019 marks the 61st anniversary of the American Library Association (ALA), National Library week! This cherished event is an annual celebration of the valuable role libraries, librarians, and library workers play in our communities and transforming the lives of everyone. This year’s National Library week runs from April 7th – April 13th.
But where did National Library week originate from? You can learn about the origins of this great week in our earlier post, National Library Week 60th Anniversary.
Melinda Gates, the 2019 National Library Week Honorary Chair, tells us a little about this years message and how libraries connect communities:
How to Celebrate National Library Week
There are many ways you can celebrate National Library Week, but the ALA has some great suggestions:
1. Visit your library.
Head to your public, school, or academic library during National Library Week to see what’s new and take part in the celebration. Libraries across the country are participating.
2. Share your library story—how do you library?
Libraries mean so many things to so many people: they provide free access to media, host fascinating programs and events, and strengthen their communities through education and lifelong learning. Celebrate National Library Week by sharing your library story—how do you library?
Post photos, videos, or text on social media highlighting what you love about your library, whether it’s a way your library brings your community together or a few of your favorite library resources and activities. Share using the hashtag #MyLibraryMyStory on Twitter or Instagram or on the I Love Libraries Facebook page for a chance to win big: one randomly selected participant will receive a $100 VISA gift card. The promotion begins Sunday, April 7 at noon CT and ends Saturday, April 13 at noon CT.
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 #MyLibraryMyStory is a quick, easy way to help your library thrive! And don’t forget to tag your library!
3. Show your support for libraries on social media
And don’t forget to follow your library, the American Library Association, and I Love Libraries on social media and join the celebration on social media by using the hashtags #NationalLibraryWeek and #LibrariesTransform.
#LibrariesTransform is one of the Soutron Global team’s favorite hashtags we’ve seen, but we could be biased “Managing Library Transformation”.
For more information on the #MyLibraryMyStory promotion, visit the ALA website.
National Library Week Daily Celebrations
There are a number of activities planned for National Library Week. These events include:
Monday, April 8: State of America’s Libraries Report released, including Top Ten Frequently Challenged Books of 2018.
Tuesday, April 9: National Library Workers Day, a day for library staff, administrators, and Friends groups to recognize the valuable contributions made by all library workers. #nlwd19
Wednesday, April 10: National Bookmobile Day, a day to recognize the contributions of our nation’s bookmobiles and the dedicated professionals who make high-quality bookmobile outreach possible in their communities. #BookmobileDay2019
Wednesday, April 10: Library Giving Day is a one-day fundraising event with the goal of encouraging people who depend on and enjoy public libraries to donate to their individual library system. #LibraryGivingDay
Thursday, April 11: Take Action for Libraries Day, a day to speak up for libraries and share your library story. #MyLibraryMyStory
Find out more information about National Library Week at the American Library Association’s website.