National Library Week 2018

Librarians have long been trailblazers when it comes to issues like equity of access and intellectual freedom; beyond that, their services and expertise help lead people to achieve their goals and improve their quality of life. National Library Week is observed from April 8 – 14, 2018 with the theme: “Libraries Lead”. The ability of libraries to transform communities and people showcases the positive change leadership of libraries and librarians provide for the public.

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.

Celebrations during National Library Week include:

• National Library Workers Day, celebrated the Tuesday of National Library Week (April 10, 2018), a day for library staff, users, administrators and Friends groups to recognize the valuable contributions made by all library workers
• National Bookmobile Day, celebrated the Wednesday of National Library Week (April 11, 2018), a day to recognize the contributions of our nation’s bookmobiles and the dedicated professionals who make quality bookmobile outreach possible in their communities
• Take Action for Libraries Day, a national library advocacy effort observed on the Thursday of National Library Week (April 12, 2018)

This year’s honorary chair of National Library Week is Misty Copeland. In 2015, Misty was promoted to principal dancer at the American Ballet Theatre, making her the first African American woman to ever be promoted to the position in the company’s 75-year history.

Misty is the author of the New York Times bestselling memoir, Life in Motion and her 2014 picture book, Firebird, won the Coretta Scott King Book Illustrator Award in 2015. Her new book, Ballerina Body, an instant New York Times Bestseller, published in March 2017.

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