This week is National Library Week, an annual celebration of libraries and library staff across the nation.  First sponsored in 1958, National Library Week is a national observance sponsored by the American Library Association (ALA) and libraries across the country each April. It is a time to support, promote and recognize the contributions and impact that libraries have on the communities they serve.  Libraries provide key resources as budgets are reduced, speaking out forcefully against book-banning attempts and advocating for free access to digital content in libraries.

The theme for this year’s National Library Week is “Communities Matter @ Your Library” reflecting the wide variety of users libraries serve each day. The 2013 National Library Week Honorary Chair is best-selling author Caroline Kennedy. Well known for her public service and charitable work, Kennedy is also an advocate for reading, literacy and libraries. 

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For more information on National Library Week, check out the American Library Association’s At Your Library page here.

P.S.  Tuesday, April 16th is National Library Workers Day.  Show the staff at your favorite library some love by letting them know how they have made a difference for you.

Source: “ALA Press Release”, American Library Association, April 16, 2013.