“Libraries Lead” is the theme for National Library Week, which kicks off on Sunday, April 8, and runs through April 14. 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 celebrate the contributions of our nation’s libraries and librarians and to promote library use and support. All types of libraries—school, public, academic and special—participate.
This year’s honorary chair is dancer and celebrated author Misty Copeland. In 2015, Misty was promoted to principal dancer at the American Ballet Theatre, making her the first African American woman to ever be promoted to the position in the company’s 75-year history. She is the author of the New York Times bestselling memoir, Life in Motion and her 2014 picture book, Firebird, won the Coretta Scott King Book Illustrator Award in 2015. Her new book, Ballerina Body, an instant New York Times Bestseller, published in March 2017.
Celebrations during National Library Week 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. Pop on over to the site and nominate a library star!
- 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.
- Thursday, April 12 is Take Action for Libraries Day: #fundlibraries.
Is your library doing something special for National Library Week? Let us know! Give us a shout-out in the comments or on Twitter (@WyoLibraries) or Facebook. You can also email Susan Mark, Wyoming State Library publications specialist, at susan.mark@wyo.gov to tell her about it.