‘ShibSibs’ Are National Library Week Honorary Chairs

Mar 29, 2020

Maia and Alex Shibutani

Authors and Olympic ice dancing medalists Maia and Alex Shibutani will promote the value of libraries as honorary chairs of National Library Week, April 19-25, 2020. The Shibutanis will shine a spotlight on our nation’s libraries, librarians and library workers, all of which transform communities and improve lives through access to information, education and technology.

Maia and Alex Shibutani (aka the ShibSibs) are two-time Olympic bronze medalists, three-time world medalists, Four Continents Champions and two-time U.S. National Champions. At the 2018 Winter Olympics, they became the first ice dancers of Asian descent to medal at the Olympics and are only the second sibling duo in the history of the sport to share an ice dancing medal.

The theme for National Library Week 2020, “Find your place at the library,” was chosen some time ago, before anyone could imagine the emergence of a global pandemic that would force most libraries to temporarily close their physical spaces.  But you can still find your place at the library because libraries are open for business online, providing the virtual services and digital content their communities need more than ever. You can access ebooks, movies, music, video games, virtual storytimes and activities, and so much more — all from the the comfort of your home.

This year during National Library Week, let’s celebrate by showing our appreciation for the many innovative ways libraries, librarians and library workers are continuing to serve their communities during a time of crisis.

Celebrations during National Library Week include:

  • Monday, April 20: State of America’s Libraries report released, including Top Ten Frequently Challenged Books of 2019.
  • Tuesday, April 21: National Library Workers Day, a day for library staff, users, administrators and Friends groups to recognize the valuable contributions made by all library workers.
  • Wednesday, April 22: 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 23: Take Action for Libraries Daya day to rally advocates to support libraries.

Free promotional tools with this year’s NLW theme, including digital graphics, a sample press release, PSA scripts and more are now available at ala.org/nlw.

First sponsored in 1958, National Library Week is an annual observance by the American Library Association and libraries across the country each April.

If you have a question about this or any other article, please contact us at statelibrary@wyo.gov

Browse by Category

Browse by Month

Similar Articles You May Like

News in Brief-March 2024

Here is a roundup of news and articles regarding libraries and library professionals.  Five Wyoming Authors Honored...