If you’re NPR fanatics like all of us here at I Love Libraries, you were most likely overjoyed to hear librarian, Reading Rainbow host, and honorary chair of this year’s National Library Week Mychal Threets on its quiz show, “Wait, Wait … Don’t Tell Me!,” this weekend.
Award-winning librarian, author, and new host of “Reading Rainbow” Mychal Threets will serve as Honorary Chair of the next National Library Week, which will be observed April 19-25, 2026. National Library Week is a weeklong celebration of the important role libraries and library workers play in schools and communities across the U.S.
It’s Take Action for Libraries Day! Observed on the Thursday of National Library Week each year, Take Action for Libraries Day rallies people across the U.S. to speak out and show their support for libraries. Because now more than ever, libraries need us. Here are 10 easy ways you can act, from calling Congress to advocate for library funding to spreading the word on social media and more.
In episode 16 of the “How I Library” podcast, show host and I Love Libraries editor Phil Morehart speaks with comic book artists—and honorary co-chairs of National Library Week—Raina Telgemeier and Scott McCloud.
After wildfires tore through western Maui, bookmobile librarian Jessica Gleason rolled in to help a grieving community.
The American Library Association kicked off National Library Week with the release of new data on book censorship in 2024 and the Top 10 Most Challenged Books List, which includes “All Boys Aren’t Blue,” by George M. Johnson, “Gender Queer,” by Maia Kobabe, “The Bluest Eye,” by Toni Morrison, and “The Perks of Being a Wallflower,” by Stephen Chbosky. The data shows that the majority of book censorship attempts now originate from organized movements.
As National Library Week draws to a close, we’re reminiscing about the multitude of ways that library lovers across the country celebrated libraries and how they impact our lives every day.
From Congress to local library boards, our elected officials need to hear from library supporters at all levels of government—especially during election years. To launch ALA’s new Reader, Voter, Ready campaign, we’re asking library advocates to pledge to get informed, get registered, and get ready to vote!
2023 was a tumultuous year for libraries. Book bans dominated headlines as well as city council and school board meetings, threatening the access of information to readers of all ages and the livelihoods and safety of library workers across the country. Despite these upheavals, libraries soldiered on to provide critical services to their communities—and developed truly innovative programs along the way. This National Library Outreach Day, we survey some standouts.
Celebrated each year on the Tuesday of National Library Week, National Library Workers Day is an opportunity to recognize the hard-working, dedicated, and often-underpaid library professionals who keep our libraries thriving, especially during these challenging times. Please take a moment to appreciate the library worker in your life today!
