NATIONAL LIBRARY WEEK
April 7-13, 2024
Ready, Set, Library! Race to discover the possibilities at your library during National Library Week, April 7–13, 2024.
Libraries give us a green light to something truly special: a place to connect with others, learn new skills, and focus on what matters most. Find your crew at your library’s author talks, workshops, and book clubs. Enjoy the scenic route through the stacks to find your new favorite story. Or take a virtual detour and see all the resources your library offers online.
No matter where you find yourself on the roadmap through life’s journey—preparing for a new career, launching a business, or raising a family—your library provides an inclusive and supportive community where everyone belongs.
Get ready to explore, become inspired, and connect with your library this National Library Week. Libraries are there for you, all the way to the finish line.
Meg Medina
Honorary National Library Week Chair
Meg Medina, the 2023–2024 National Ambassador for Young People’s Literature, is a Cuban American author who writes for readers of all ages. Her middle-grade novel Merci Suárez Changes Gears received a Newbery Medal and was a New York Times Book Review Notable Children’s Book of the Year, among many other distinctions. Its sequel, Merci Suárez Can’t Dance, received five starred reviews, while Merci Suárez Plays It Cool received four stars, with Kirkus Reviews calling it “a fabulous finale to a memorable trilogy.” Her most recent picture book, Evelyn Del Rey Is Moving Away, received honors including a Charlotte Zolotow Award and was the 2020 Jumpstart Read for the Record selection, reaching 2.24 million readers. She received a Pura Belpré Author Award Honor for her picture book Mango, Abuela, and Me. Her young adult novel Burn Baby Burn earned numerous distinctions, including being long-listed for the National Book Award and short-listed for the Kirkus Prize. Meg Medina received a Pura Belpré Author Award and a Cybils Award for her young adult novel Yaqui Delgado Wants to Kick Your Ass, which has been adapted and illustrated as a graphic novel by Mel Valentine Vargas. She also received an Ezra Jack Keats Writer Award for her picture book Tía Isa Wants a Car. When she is not writing, Meg Medina works on community projects that support girls, Latino youth, and literacy. She lives with her family in Richmond, Virginia.
“I’m thrilled to serve as the honorary chair of National Library Week for 2024! 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. 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. Join me and the American Library Association in celebrating the gift of libraries everywhere and the adventures and opportunities they unlock for us every day. Ready, Set, Library!”
Celebration Days
Right to Read Day
Monday, April 8
The right to read is under attack in communities across the U.S. in the form of book bans. On Right to Read Day, take the time to protect, defend, and celebrate your freedom to read.
On Monday, ALA will also release its annual State of America's Libraries Report, including Top Ten Frequently Challenged Books of 2023.
National Library Workers Day
Tuesday, April 9
On National Library Workers Day, recognize the valuable contributions made by all library workers at libraries across the country.
Celebrate by submitting a star for the stellar library worker in your life!
National Library Outreach Day
Wednesday, April 10
Outside the library's walls, librarians are meeting their patrons where they are. Whether it's a bookmobile stop at the local elementary school, services provided to community homes, or library pop-ups at community gatherings, these services are essential to the community. National Library Outreach Day celebrates the library professionals who make it happen.
Take Action for Libraries Day
Thursday, April 11
Library advocates across the country stand united on Take Action for Libraries Day, an annual day of action during National Library Week! From Congress to local library boards, our elected officials need to hear from library supporters at all levels of government. Stay tuned for more information!
Participate
Visit Your Library
Whether you're visiting in person or connecting virtually, libraries offer something for everyone through access to books and technology, multimedia content, and educational programs. Take time to learn your library's story during National Library Week to see all it has to offer!
How Do You Library?
Do you love getting lost in the stories of the library’s summer reading program, storytime, or book club? When you walk through the library’s doors, are you looking for a quiet nook to study or a makerspace to harness your creativity? What’s your favorite thing to check out—books, movies, cake pans, seeds? Do you attend programs to enrich your mind, meet local authors, or find support from your community?
We want to know how YOU library!
Participating is easy:
- Snap a pic or shoot a video showcasing your favorite thing about your library.
- Post to Instagram, Threads, X/Twitter, or on the I Love Libraries Facebook page with the hashtag #HowILibrary.
- And don't forget to tag your library to let them know how much they are appreciated!
Whats in it for you? In addition to the gratification of supporting libraries, there's also a chance to win great prizes:
- Grand Prize (1 winner): A VISA gift card ($150.00 USD value) and choice of one ALA Graphics poster.
- Second Prize (3 winners): Choice of one ALA Graphics poster.
So, let's see those book stacks, creative reading spots, and all the adventures that libraries take you on! If you don’t have a photo to share, check out our Library Elements graphics.
Join the #HowILibrary movement, and let's make this the best National Library Week ever!
Follow Along on Social Media
Be sure to follow your library on social media so you don't miss out on all they have to offer! Post one of our available graphics to your social media account and join the conversation by using the hashtag #NationalLibraryWeek.
Don't forget to follow I Love Libraries and the American Library Association on social media!
I Love Libraries
Facebook @ILoveLibraries
Twitter/X: @IloveLibraries
ALA accounts
Instagram: @americanlibraryassociation
Facebook: @AmericanLibraryAssociation
Twitter/X: @ALALibrary
Spread the Word!
Share your excitement for National Library Week with these graphics you can post on your social media, website, and blog!
Merchandise
About National Library Week
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 2018 celebration marked the 60th anniversary of the first event.
Read more about the history of National Library Week in American Libraries Magazine, and check out the list of past National Library Week themes.
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