National Library Week, from April 19 to 25, allows us to promote our local libraries and their workers. From Harry Potter and Matilda, to Lord of the Rings and Game of Thrones, we’re sure at some point you’ve dashed to the library to borrow your favorite book. Then comes studying. Haven’t we all spent endless hours in the library revising for our exams, borrowing textbooks, free journals and using their online resources? Do you remember that feeling of getting a brand-new library card – of whipping it out when you borrowed a mountain of DVD’s? Of course, times have changed since the millennium, but aren’t the staff always so professional and kind? Libraries are pivotal to society to both universities and to schools. Celebrating them, means celebrating silent reading, our communities and getting into college. Therefore, it’s an obvious good deed. This National Library Week, let’s look back on our love for the smell inside an old book, and wholeheartedly thank our local public libraries.
History of National Library Week
Research has revealed that by the mid-1950s, Americans were spending significant amounts of time listening to the radio, watching TV and playing musical instruments. Through concern that people were not reading enough, in 1954 a non-profit book committee was established by the American Library Association (ALA) and the American Book Publishers. National Library Week was first sponsored in 1958, and the weeklong event was developed with the intent to motivate people to read as well as to support and show appreciation to their local libraries.
The yearly affair is also doubly sponsored by the American Library Association (ALA) who decided that this week be observed every April. When first set out, the aims of this week were described as ambitious. Some goals were thought to be overzealous. Things like, expecting this week to improve American household incomes and health, and helping to develop strong and happy family lives.
National Library Week also occurs during Support Teen Literature Day, School Library Month and National Bookmobile Day. The first theme ever in 1958 was ‘‘Wake up and Read!’’ The libraries expected to observe National Library Week are non-specific and much broader. This includes school libraries, local libraries, academic libraries, university libraries, and much more.
Ironically, 2020’s theme for National Library Week is ‘‘Find Your Place at The Library’’ but due to the Covid-19 global pandemic, libraries are now closed amid a nationwide lockdown. However, many libraries are virtually open, providing services and digital content to your heart’s desire.