Libraries Work Because We Do

National Library Week will be observed April 12-18, 2015 highlighting the theme, "Unlimited possibilities @ your library®." 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 our library workers. All types of libraries -- school, public, academic and special – will be participating again this year. AFSCME and AFSCME NY/CSEA represent more than 25,000 library workers nationwide. 

Celebrations during National Library Week include: National Library Workers Day, celebrated the Tuesday of National Library Week (April 14, 2015), is 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 15, 2015), is a day to recognize the contributions of our nation's bookmobiles and the dedicated professionals who make quality bookmobile outreach possible in their communities; and Celebrate Teen Literature Day, celebrated the Thursday of National Library Week (April 16, 2015), is aimed at raising awareness among the general public that young adult literature is a vibrant, growing genre with much to offer today's teens and young adults.

History: In the mid-1950's, 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 citizen’s 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!"