National Library Week

This week, the week of 11-17 April, is being observed as National Library Week. This year's theme is "Communities Thrive @ your library." First sponsored in 1958, National Library Week is a national observance sponsored by the American Library Association and libraries across the country each April, usually during the second full week, as a time to celebrate the contributions of our nation’s libraries and librarians and to promote library use and support.

During the current recession, libraries throughout the U.S. have been enjoying an increase in patronage for the various services they offer. On the other hand, because of the economic realities of the recession, libraries have been forced to cut back on personnel and on the hours in which they are open.

On a historical note: 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 American Library Association and the American Book Publishers formed,  in 1954, a nonprofit citizens organization called the National Book Committee to encourage more reading. 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!"

Atyourlibrary.org is the public Web site for the American Library Association’s public awareness campaign, "The Campaign for America’s Libraries," which promotes the value of libraries and librarians.The campaign's goal is to provide information and recommended resources that everyone can take advantage of at their local library. Check it out:
      At your library.org

On Wednesday, 14 April, many libraries and their communities will mark the inaugural celebration of National Bookmobile Day @ your library, which honors the role of bookmobiles and direct-delivery outreach services in fulfilling the mission of libraries. Part of National Library Week, National Bookmobile Day is designed to highlight how bookmobiles help "communities thrive @ your library."