About National Library Week
(courtesy of the ALA website)
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.
Monday: State of America's Libraries Report released, including Top Ten Frequently Challenged Books of the previous year.
Tuesday: 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: 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: Take Action for Libraries Day, a day to rally advocates to support libraries.
Official link to the American Library Association's website for National Library Week
Read more about the history of National Library Week at American Libraries magazine.
Check out the list of past National Library Week themes.
Find out what is going on with libraries! Current CF students, faculty, and staff may view current newspaper articles through our online databases.