National Library Week (April 8 – 14, 2018) is an annual celebration of the life-changing work of libraries, librarians and library workers. Libraries aren’t just places to borrow books or study—they’re also creative and engaging community centers where people can collaborate using new technologies and develop their skills and passions.
Libraries of all types have long been evolving to meet the needs of the communities they serve. Diverse groups including elected officials, small business owners and students of all ages depend upon libraries and the resources they offer. Resources like e-books, digital resources and maker labs, and services such as research, instruction, and access to collections locally and worldwide are just a few ways libraries and librarians are transforming to lead their communities. Community members can also develop their own leadership skills at the library, with endless opportunity to build skills and confidence through resources and programming.
The theme for 2018 National Library Week is “Libraries Lead.” Misty Copeland, principal dancer at the American Ballet Theatre (the first African-American woman ever to be promoted to the position) is this year’s National Library Week Honorary Chair.
This year marks the 60th Anniversary of National Library Week. Read more about the 60-year history of National Library Week at American Libraries magazine.
There are celebrations each day across the country acknowledging National Library Week and the importance of libraries: They include:
- Monday, April 9: State of America’s Libraries Report released, including Top Ten Frequently Challenged Books of 2017.
- Tuesday, April 10: National Library Workers Day, a day for library staff, users, administrators and Friends groups to recognize the valuable contributions made by all library workers. #nlwd18
- Wednesday, April 11: National Bookmobile Day, a day to recognize the contributions of our nation’s bookmobiles and the dedicated professionals who make quality bookmobile outreach possible in their communities. #bookmobileday2018
- Thursday, April 12: Take Action for Libraries Day, a national library advocacy effort observed for the first time in 2017 in response to proposed cuts to federal funds for libraries.#fundlibraries
Two ways that Columbia’s Library is celebrating National Library Week is:
1. Our Friends of the Library Signature Showcase program featuring Associate Professor Sam Weller (English Creative Writing Department) TONIGHT at 6:30pm in the 3rd Floor North Reading Room. He will be discussing the new edition of his book, Listen to the Echoes: The Ray Bradbury Interviews (Hat & Beard Press, 2017).
2. Training for the Human Library Project on Thursday, April 12 from 12-1pm, in the 3rd Floor North Reading Room. The Human Library is designed to “build a postitive framework for conversations that can challenge stereotypes and prejudices throught dialogue. It provides an opportunity where real people are loaned to readers, and a place where difficult questions are “expected, appreciated and answered”.
Volunteers are needed, so if you are interested in participating, contact Norman Alexandroff at nalexandroff@colum.edu. Want to know what to expect? This video will give you an idea of what to expect: https://www.facebook.com/attn/videos/1714737678561684/.
