We’re celebrating National Library Week April 7 – 13!
This is an annual observance sponsored by the American Library Association (ALA) and celebrated by libraries and library lovers across the nation. It’s also a time the greater library community comes together to spotlight the important role we all play in maintaining the vitality of our communities by ensuring internet and technology access, supporting job seekers and those just beginning (or re-launching) their careers, promoting early childhood literacy, and setting up entrepreneurs and small businesses for success!
How you can help
1. Make a donation
Our core community programs and services are largely supported by charitable donations. We hope will consider donating to help us empower individuals and communities by providing opportunities for all to read, learn, create and connect.
Those who donate by April 14 will be invited to join us for a celebration breakfast on April 19, behind-the-scenes tour at our administration office and entered to win a pair of VIP tickets to our annual fundraiser, Books and Bites, featuring Chef Rocco DiSpirito. Also, everyone who donates on Tuesday, April 9, will be entered to win a CCPL swag bag!
2. Visit your local library
What better time than now to visit your local CCPL branch? While you’re there you can check out a book or movie, meet a favorite author, take your young child, teen, or even yourself to one of our many programs, or take a free computer class.
3. Nominate a star library worker
Tuesday, April 9, is National Library Workers Day. It’s also the perfect day to express your gratitude for your favorite library workers by nominating one for inclusion in the ALA's Galaxy of Stars.
4. Share how you library
What role has the library played in your life? Share your story with ALA on Instagram, Twitter, Threads, or on the I Love Libraries Facebook page with the hashtag #HowILibrary. Don't forget to tag @Cuyahogalib in your story! By participating, you’ll also be entered to win a $150 VISA gift card as well as ALA posters to help you display your library love! View the official rules.
5. Be an advocate
Thursday, April 11, is Take Action for Libraries Day. Join library advocates across the nation and make your voice heard!
6. Spread the word
Post National Library Week graphics to your social media accounts and join the conversation by using the hashtag #NationalLibraryWeek. Don't forget to tag @Cuyahogalib.
Follow the American Library Association and I Love Libraries on social media!
Twitter: @ALALibrary and @IloveLibraries
Facebook: @AmericanLibraryAssociation and @ILoveLibraries
Instagram: @americanlibraryassociation
Download graphics
Instagram Story Share (English)
Instagram Story Share (Spanish)
The History of National Library Week
National Library Week was established in the 1950s during a period of great anxiety over the booming growth of home TV sales. According to the Digital Public Library of America, only a few thousand American households owned TVs prior to 1947. By 1955 – less than a decade later – TVs were a fixture in half of all American homes. That same year the results of a Gallup poll were released with the news that almost two-thirds of adults had not read any book for pleasure in the previous year. Naturally, the library community was deeply alarmed.
Concerned about the long-term implications of Americans using their leisure time for TV viewing rather than reading, the ALA and the American Book Publishers Council formed a nonprofit organization called the National Book Committee (NBC) with the goal of encouraging Americans to reconnect with books. One of its early initiatives was the creation of a week-long observance aimed at motivating people to read – i.e., National Library Week. The observance was 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. The theme was "Wake Up and Read!"
The NBC disbanded in 1974 and the ALA has assumed full sponsorship of NLW ever since. The idea of giving NLW an annual theme, however, has persisted throughout the years. This year’s theme is “Ready, Set, Library!” a slogan that underscores the gift of libraries everywhere and the adventures and opportunities they unlock for library users every day.
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