This Memorial Day, as the U.S. remembers those who died while serving in the U.S. Armed Forces, we’re reflecting on how the American Library Association (ALA) responded during World War I. As tragedy and despair spread across the world during those wartime years, ALA worked to brighten the spirits of wounded soldiers by providing them with books and reading materials.
Bookmobiles are a large component of library outreach—in fact, National Library Outreach Day was first called National Bookmobile Day. In honor of the bookmobile and its vital role in helping to get books and library materials to everyone, especially those unable to directly access their local library, we have a look at its history from the American Library Association Archives.
Sponsored by the National Book Committee, Inc., and in cooperation with the American Library Association, the first National Library Week was launched March 16–22, 1958. Citing a 1957 survey showing that only 17% of Americans polled were reading a book, the inaugural National Library Week slogan was “Wake Up and Read!”
Throughout his life of activism and public service, Reverend Jesse Jackson consistently championed libraries as centers of knowledge where individuals and communities can learn about their past, present, and future.
In a special episode of our “How I Library” podcast, show host and I Love Libraries editor Phil Morehart speaks with library historian and author Wayne Wiegand about the beginnings of the American Library Association as it celebrates its 150th anniversary.
To celebrate the 100th anniversary of its historic flagship Central Library, Los Angeles Public Library dug into its roots—literally—to uncover a time capsule that was placed in the library’s cornerstone during its original construction.
