National Library Week 2021: Welcome to Your Library
The theme for National Library Week (April 4-10, 2021), “Welcome to Your Library,” promotes the idea that libraries extend far beyond the four walls of a building – and that everyone is welcome to use their services. During the pandemic libraries have been going above and beyond to adapt to our changing world by expanding their resources and continuing to meet the needs of their users. Whether people visit in person or virtually, libraries offer opportunities for everyone to explore new worlds and become their best selves through access to technology, multimedia content, and educational programs.
Natalie Portman to Serve as 2021 National Library Week Honorary Chair
Actress, author, and activist Natalie Portman will lend her star power to shine a spotlight on our nation’s libraries as the honorary chair of National Library Week 2021. She will help highlight the essential role libraries, librarians, and library workers play in serving their communities, especially during challenging times.
Portman is an Academy Award-winning actress, director, producer, and activist whose credits include “Black Swan,” “Jackie,” and the upcoming “Thor: Love and Thunder.” A lifelong fan of books, she shares the books she’s reading on her Instagram feed, as part of Natalie Portman's Book Club, using the hashtag #whatnatreads. Born in Jerusalem, Israel, she is a graduate of Harvard University, and now lives with her family in Los Angeles. Natalie Portman’s “Fables” is her debut picture book.
Ways to Celebrate
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. And don't forget to follow I Love Libraries and the American Library Association. Join the celebration all week long on social media by using the hashtag #NationalLibraryWeek.
I Love Libraries: Twitter: @IloveLibraries | Facebook @ILoveLibraries
ALA accounts: Twitter: @ALALibrary | Facebook: @AmericanLibraryAssociation | Instagram: @americanlibraryassociation
Post these National Library Week graphics to your social media channels or blog.
Natalie Portman Graphics
Twitter Share | Facebook Share | Instagram Share
Twitter Header | Facebook Cover
Boombox 33 x 250px | Skyscraper 160 x 600 px
Leaderboard 720 x 90px | 1200 x 447px
Welcome to Your Library Graphics
Twitter Share | Facebook Share | Instagram Share
Twitter Header | Facebook Cover | Instagram Story
Boombox 33 x 250px | Skyscraper 160 x 600 px
Leaderboard 720 x 90 px | 1200 x 447px
Celebrations during National Library Week
- Monday, April 5: State of America's Libraries Report released, including Top Ten Frequently Challenged Books of 2020.
- Tuesday, April 6: 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 7: A day to celebrate our nation's bookmobiles and outreach services, previously National Bookmobile Day. New branding coming soon!
- Thursday, April 8: Take Action for Libraries Day, a day to rally advocates to support libraries.
National Library Week Materials from ALA Graphics
The National Library Week poster and other promotional materials featuring the “Welcome to Your Library” theme are available for purchase through the ALA Store; T-shirts, totes, and other print-on-demand items are for sale at bit.ly/GraphicsGiftShop.
ALA Store purchases fund advocacy, awareness, and accreditation programs for library professionals worldwide.
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.
Read more about the 60-year history of National Library Week at American Libraries magazine, and check out the list of past National Library Week themes.
Questions? Contact campaign@ala.org.
Librarians, please visit the National Library Week Toolkit for ideas and free tools to celebrate in your local community.
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.
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Learn more about ALA's Libraries Transform public awareness initiative.