National Library Week 2026

National Library Week 2026

National Library Week is April 19-25 this year. It started in 1958 as a way to celebrate libraries, one of the oldest and most trusted institutions in America.  As I mentioned in my last post (https://www.lynnlovegreen.com/post/akla-and-how-you-can-support-libraries), libraries need our support now more than ever.

This year’s theme is “Find Your Joy!” You can discover many joys at the library, like stopping by your favorite library, helping a friend sign up for a library card, or trying a new book, program, or class at your library. See the National Library Week website featuring Mychal Threets athttps://www.ala.org/conferencesevents/celebrationweeks/natlibraryweek.

Here are three ways you can help libraries and the right to read:

April 20 is Right to Read Day, a great time to celebrate library wins and take action against book bans. Check out the page at https://uniteagainstbookbans.org/right-to-read-day/.

The American Library Associations has established the Leroy C. Merritt Humanitarian Fund to assist library workers who have been fired or penalized for standing up to censorship. Learn more or donate at https://www.ala.org/aboutala/affiliates/relatedgroups/merrittfund/merritthumanitarian.

Most American parents are against censorship and want the right to choose books for their children. If you agree and are looking for resources on how to promote diverse voices and perspectives in your community, download a copy of The Parent Playbook at   https://uniteagainstbookbans.org/partner-resource-spotlight-red-wine-blues-parent-playbook/.

Whether you click on one of these links, say thank you to your local librarian, or just enjoy reading a book this week, Happy National Library Week! Kudos to all our library workers out there!