I Love Libraries

Celebrate National Library Week April 9-15, 2017

Thanks to everyone for a great National Library Week 2017!

The winner of the random drawing in our Expert in the Library Promotion is this post from student worker Ayanna at Henderson State University's Huie Library.

Libraries Transform is the theme for National Library Week 2017, reminding all Americans that today’s libraries are not just about what they have for people, but what they do for and with people. Libraries are places of creativity where people can meet to share a hobby, use a 3D printer, edit a video, or use software to record their own music. Libraries offer access to the tools, technology and training essential to the economic and cultural lives of their communities.

Soccer great Julie Foudy to serve as National Library Week Honorary Chair

Julie Foudy is a retired professional soccer player, two-time World Cup champion, and a medalist in the 1996, 2000, and 2004 Olympics. She was inducted into the U.S. National Soccer Hall of Fame in 2007. She is currently a reporter and analyst for ABC/ESPN, contributor and writer for espnW, and motivational speaker.

Foudy is the director and founder of the Julie Foudy Sports Leadership Academy, a unique residential camp experience that uses sports as a vehicle to teach leadership skills for life. She also founded the Julie Foudy Leadership Foundation, which has a mission of building on a foundation of sports and fitness to empower young women from all socioeconomic backgrounds to become leaders who positively impact their communities.

Foudy also will add author to her credits with the release of her first book, “Choose to Matter,” to be published by Disney Publishing Worldwide in the spring of 2017.

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

Ways to Celebrate National Library Week

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.

Help spread the word about National Library Week by sharing these images on your blog or social media channel. Follow I Love Libraries on Facebook and Twitter and the hashtags #NationalLibraryWeek and #LibrariesTransform to join the celebration on social media.

Add our Libraries Transform Twibbon to your Facebook or Twitter profile picture.

3. Expert in the Library Promotion

What is your librarian an expert in—storytime, medieval history, recommending books—or are they an expert in making you smile?  Let the world know that you appreciate your "expert in the library" during National Library Week 2017. 

Your response can be text, a photo or a video posted Twitter, Instagram, or posted directly to the I Love Libraries Facebook page.
Use the printable props we've provided or be original. Creativity is encouraged. Just be sure to include the hashtag #expertinthelibrary and post between Saturday, April 8 at noon CT and Saturday, April 15 at noon CT for a chance to win the $100 Visa gift card.* Extra points if you tag your library in the post.

My librarian is an expert in  Print (PDF) | High resolution PNG
Librarians are experts in   Print (PDF) | High resolution PNG
I'm an expert in               Print (PDF) | High resolution PNG

 

4. Thursday, April 13 is Take Action for Libraries Day

At the federal level libraries are facing some special challenges this year, so we'll be asking for your help on Thursday of National Library Week. 

Join our Thunderclap on Take Action for Libraries Day to help us save federal funding for libraries. Stay tuned. We'll also be asking you to share some of your favorite "Because statements" with your Senator to convince them to save federal funding for libraries and the Intitute of Museum and Library Services.

Other Events During National Library Week

• Top Ten List of Most Challenged Books for 2016 - released in the 2017 State of America’s Library Report (Monday, April 10)
• National Library Workers Day,  Tuesday of National Library Week (April 11), a day for library staff, users, administrators and Friends groups to recognize the valuable contributions made by all library workers - #NLWD17;
• National Bookmobile Day,  Wednesday of National Library Week (April 12), a day to recognize the contributions of our nation's bookmobiles and the dedicated professionals who make quality bookmobile outreach possible in their communities - #NBD2017.

During National Library Week 2016, we asked libraries from around the country to submit video responses to the question “What does transformation look like at your library?” Here's what they had to say.

About National Library Week

First sponsored in 1958, National Library Week is a national observance sponsored by the American Library Association (ALA) and libraries across the country each April. It is a time to celebrate the contributions of our nation's libraries and librarians and to promote library use and support. All types of libraries - school, public, academic and special - participate.

*The gift card may be used in the U.S. and District of Columbia, everywhere that Visa debit cards are accepted.