National Library Week 2020

Hey all, Dani here.

It is National Library Week, which means it is time to celebrate all the libraries and librarians out there for all the great services they provide. And yes, we should be celebrating these people and places year round–obviously most of us book lovers do–but this is a special week hosted by the American Library Association set aside to be even more active in shouting about how great libraries and librarians are.

The theme this year was originally “Find Your Place At The Library,” but with everything going on in the world they flipped the wording slightly to make it “Find The Library At Your Place,” which I think is a clever bit of word play.

It is also very true.

For anyone who is newer to this blog, or you just lost the information in the sheer number of posts out there, I actually did go to library school, so by training I am a librarian. I’ve just unfortunately been unable to find myself a position in my career field. But I’m still very invested in the services and success of all libraries.

Librarians have been superheroes through this stay-at-home period. I see so many of them hosting kids storytimes through Facebook Live and YouTube, and I’ve seen them doing book chats, sharing various digital library resources and more. Some libraries are parking their book mobiles in places that are lacking in internet connections and opening up the library’s internet so that children in less privileged communities can still get online and do their schoolwork and such. Some libraries have closed their doors completely, but some are allowing you to call in the books you want to check out and then the librarian checks them out and drops them off in a bag on a book cart and backing away so everyone can maintain social distancing.

So this week, April 19-25, is definitely a week to celebrate the libraries and librarians that are going above and beyond to continue the sharing of information and the use of library services.

National Library Week events

• April: School Library Month
• Monday, April 20 The 2020 State of America’s Libraries Report is released
• Tuesday, April 21 National Library Workers Day
• Wednesday, April 22: National Bookmobile Day
• Thursday, April 23, Take Action for Libraries Day

There are a whole bunch of events going on this week, hosted by the ALA. I’m particularly interested in Monday’s event, because that is where they announce the Top Ten Challenged Books of 2019. There usually isn’t a whole lot of shifting in the books that claim the top spots on being challenged and banned around the U.S., but it is interesting to see the reasons for challenging titles.

Here’s some suggestions from the ALA on how you can participate in and celebrate National Library Week:

Ways to Celebrate National Library Week

---

1. Visit your library [online]

While many libraries are temporarily closed due the current public health crisis, it’s a great time to explore the many digital resources they provide. Most libraries offer access to audiobooks, e-books, music and movies. Some are even finding ways to offer programs online, such as virtual storytimes, book clubs, and crafting sessions.

2. Say #ThankYouLibraries on social media

While many libraries are temporarily closed due the current public health crisis, it’s a great time to explore the many digital resources they provide. Most libraries offer access to audiobooks, e-books, music and movies. Some are even finding ways to offer programs online, such as virtual storytimes, book clubs, and crafting sessions.

Celebrate National Library Week 2020 by sharing what you love about the virtual services available at your library. Post to Instagram, Twitter, or on the I Love Libraries Facebook page,  about an e-book, audiobook, virtual storytime or bookclub, or how your library has made a difference while you’ve been social distancing at home. Use the hashtag #ThankYouLibraries and tag your library.  We’ll gather all the entries, and one randomly selected winner will receive a $100 Visa gift card.  The promotion starts Sunday, April 19 at noon CT and ends on Saturday, April 25 at noon CT.  Official rules coming soon.

If you love your library, say it loud and proud: vocal community support helps libraries secure much-needed funding and reminds hardworking library staff that their efforts are appreciated. Participating in #ThankYouLibraries is a quick, easy way to help your library thrive!

3. Follow your library, ALA, and I Love Libraries on social media

Be sure to follow your library on social media so you don’t miss out on all they have to offer, including the most reliable information about keeping your family safe during the uncertain times.

Follow the American Library Association and I Love Libraries on social media and join us on social media by using the hashtags #NationalLibraryWeek and #LibrariesTransform.

• ALA accounts: Twitter: @ALALibrary | Facebook: @AmericanLibraryAssociation | Instagram: @americanlibraryassociation
• I Love Libraries: Twitter: @IloveLibraries | Facebook @ILoveLibraries

4. Add our National Library Week frame to your Facebook profile picture

Show your support for libraries by adding our National Library Week frame to your Facebook profile picture.

Go to your profile on the Facebook app and tap “Edit” on your profile picture, then tap “Add Frame.”

If you don’t see it in the list search for “National Library Week.”

You can also download the frame and add it to your profile picture manually.

5. Post these digital graphics on your social media channels, blog, or website:

 

As for me, I’m going to be posting reviews for books about books, bookstores, and libraries throughout the week. So look for one or two reviews each day featuring some pretty great books. I’m definitely excited about the posts I have coming, and I hope you all will enjoy them as well.

That’s it for now, but I’ll be back soon with more bookish content.