National Library Week began on April 3 and this year’s theme is “Connect with Your Library.”
According to the American Library Association’s website, this year’s theme “promotes the idea that libraries are places to get connected to technology by using broadband, computers, and other resources. Libraries also offer opportunities to connect with media, programs, ideas, and classes—in addition to books. Most importantly libraries also connect communities to each other. Overall, the theme is an explicit call to action—an invitation for communities to join, visit, or advocate for their local libraries.”
The honorary chair of National Library Week 2022 is actress-comedian Molly Shannon, whose mother was a librarian. In a statement on serving as chair, Shannon said:
“I am so honored to serve as honorary chair of National Library Week for 2022. My mom was a librarian. She encouraged kids to read. So, the work of librarians and libraries has such a special place in my heart.
“Libraries are places where communities connect—to things like broadband, computers, programs and classes, books, movies, video games, and more. But most importantly, libraries connect us to each other. Supporting National Library Week in this role allows me to connect to my mother’s memory and all the librarians out there. Thank you for everything you do.”
First observed in 1958, National Library Week was a joint initiative of the ALA and the American Book Publishers. Upon learning of research which suggested Americans were reading less, the two formed a nonprofit called the National Book Committee and set out to encourage more Americans to read. To drum up public support, the then-director of National Library Week, John S. Robling, touted it as “an outstanding opportunity to reach non-readers and make present readers more active readers.” He cautioned, however, that its success hinged on the participation of librarians across the country.
Decades later, librarians continue to design inspirational programming around National Library Week.
This year, the ALA encourages library lovers to:
- Visit your library
- #UniteAgainstBookBans
- Participate in the #MyLibrary promotion on social media
- Follow your library, ALA, and I Love Libraries on social media
How have you and your students commemorated National Library Week 2022? Leave us a note in the comments section!
