National Library Week, an annual observance in the United States, has a rich history rooted in the desire to encourage reading and bolster support for libraries. First sponsored in 1958, this week-long event, typically held each April, has evolved from a simple call to "Wake Up and Read!" into a comprehensive celebration of libraries, librarians, and the vital services they provide. Coordinated by the American Library Association (ALA) and libraries across
the nation, its enduring purpose remains to promote library use and advocate for their continued importance in communities.
The Genesis of a National Observance
The concept for National Library Week emerged in 1957, stemming from a collaboration between the American Library Association (ALA) and the American Book Publishers. This partnership led to the establishment of a nonprofit National Book Committee in 1954. Virginia Mathews played a pivotal role in this committee, serving first as Deputy Director and later as Director. It was within this framework that the idea for a dedicated week to celebrate libraries and reading was developed, with the explicit hope that such an initiative would motivate people to engage with books and actively support their local libraries.The inaugural sponsored week in 1954, though predating the official 1958 start of National Library Week as we know it, set the tone with its theme, "Wake Up and Read!" This early effort highlighted the foundational goal of the initiative: to awaken public interest in reading and to recognize the value of libraries. The formal sponsorship by the ALA began in 1958, solidifying its place as a significant annual event in the American cultural calendar. The move to the American Library Association in 1975 saw Peggy Barber take on the coordination of the event, further integrating it into the ALA's broader mission.
Evolution and Expanding Scope
Over the decades, National Library Week has grown beyond its initial focus on simply encouraging reading. While that core mission remains, the observance has expanded to encompass various facets of library work and community engagement. It now includes specific days dedicated to different aspects of the library profession and its services. For instance, National Library Workers Day is observed on the Tuesday of National Library Week, recognizing the invaluable contributions of library staff. Similarly, National Bookmobile Day celebrates the outreach efforts of libraries that bring resources directly to communities.Another significant addition is Support Teen Literature Day, held on the Thursday of National Library Week, which underscores the importance of literature for young adults and the role libraries play in fostering their reading habits. Each year, National Library Week adopts a new theme, reflecting contemporary issues or highlighting particular aspects of library services. For example, while the first sponsored week's theme was "Wake Up and Read!", the theme for 2021 was
