I Love Libraries

Find Your Place at the Library: Celebrate National Library Week April 19-25, 2020

Maia and Alex Shibutani are 2020 Honorary Chairs!

Maia and Alex Shibutani, a.k.a. the ShibSibs, are two-time Olympic bronze medalists, three-time world medalists, Four Continents Figure Skating 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. They travel the world and enjoy spending time together (most of the time), eating food (all of the time), and meeting new people (any time!). 

KUDO KIDS: The Mystery of the Masked Medalist is the first in a middle-grade series that marks the writing debut of Maia and Alex Shibutani.  Co-authored by Michelle Schusterman, recognized by the American Library Association's 2019 Rainbow Book List, the book is set at the 2020 Summer Olympics in Tokyo. The fun-filled, fast-paced mystery is inspired by the Shibutanis’ own familial bond and experiences traveling the world with Team USA.  Available May 2020, just before the 2020 Olympics, the book captures the curiosity and life experiences that the ShibSibs share with their combined 1.4 million followers on social media channels and through their original YouTube videos, with more than 11 million views.

National Library Week is an annual celebration highlighting the valuable role libraries, librarians, and library workers play in transforming lives and strengthening our communities.

This year’s theme, Find Your Place at the Library, illustrates how today’s libraries are at the heart of our cities, towns, schools and campuses, providing critical resources, programs and expertise. They also provide a public space where all community members, regardless of age, culture or income level, can come together to connect and learn.

Join the celebration! National Library Week is an exciting opportunity for library supporters and libraries of all types to raise awareness of their value and impact in their communities. Free tools are now available to help spread the word about National Library Week including print and digital graphics, sample social media posts and much more! Check back often as we are continuing to add more tools and resources.

Ways to Celebrate

1. Visit your library.

Head to your public, school, or academic library during National Library Week to see what's new and take part in the celebration.  Libraries across the country are participating.

2. Show your support for libraries on social media.

And don't forget to follow your library, the American Library Association, and I Love Libraries on social media and join the celebration 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

Post these National Library Week graphics to your social media channels or blog.

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 Day, a day to rally advocates to support libraries.

National Library Week Materials from ALA Graphics

Posters, mini-posters, bookmarks, digital poster files , and the ShibSibs READ poster are available at the ALA Store!
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About National Library Week

In the mid-1950s, research showed that Americans were spending less on books and more on radios, televisions and musical instruments. Concerned that Americans were reading less, the ALA and the American Book Publishers formed a nonprofit citizens organization called the National Book Committee in 1954. The committee's goals were ambitious.  They ranged from "encouraging people to read in their increasing leisure time" to "improving incomes and health" and "developing strong and happy family life." 

In 1957, the committee developed a plan for National Library Week based on the idea that once people were motivated to read, they would support and use libraries. With the cooperation of ALA and with help from the Advertising Council, the first National Library Week was observed in 1958 with the theme "Wake Up and Read!"  The 2018 celebration marked the 60th anniversary of the first event.

Join ALA's Libraries Transform public awareness campaign for year-round access to public awareness tools and tips.

Thank you to ALA Library Champions for supporting ALA’s efforts in raising public awareness for libraries and librarians.

Thank you to Dollar General Literacy Foundation for funding The American Dream Starts @ your library program.

Follow along:   #NationalLibraryWeek | #LibrariesTransform | Twitter | Facebook

Learn more about ALA's Libraries Transform public awareness campaign.