"The theme for National Library Week 2022, “Connect with Your Library,” promotes the idea that libraries are places to get connected to technology by using broadband, computers, and other resources. Libraries also offer opportunities to connect with media, programs, ideas, and classes—in addition to books. Most importantly libraries also connect communities to each other. Overall, the theme is an explicit call to action—an invitation for communities to join, visit, or advocate for their local libraries."

"National Library Week (April 3 - 9, 2022) is a time to celebrate our nation's libraries, library workers' contributions and promote library use and support.  

First sponsored in 1958, National Library Week is sponsored by the American Library Association (ALA) and observed in libraries across the country each April. All types of libraries - school, public, academic and special - participate.

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."  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!""

"Multiple Emmy-nominated and Spirit Award-winning actress, comedian, and legendary Saturday Night Live cast member Molly Shannon, will help celebrate our nation’s libraries as the honorary chair of National Library Week."

“I am so honored to serve as honorary chair of National Library Week for 2022. My mom was a librarian. She encouraged kids to read. So, the work of librarians and libraries has such a special place in my heart.

Libraries are places where communities connect—to things like broadband, computers, programs and classes, books, movies, video games, and more. But most importantly, libraries connect us to each other. Supporting National Library Week in this role allows me to connect to my mother's memory and all the librarians out there. Thank you for everything you do."  

While many of us cannot have in-person celebrations, it is still a good time to highlight the critical role library workers play in keeping our libraries running. How about taking our celebrations online? Let’s take this time to flood social media (using the hashtag #NLWD22) with words of gratitude for all library workers. We can start by nominating library workers as Stars for the ALA-APA Galaxy of Stars.

Nominate a stellar library worker!

Check out the Star-Gaze by State at the bottom of the page. 

National Library Outreach Day (formerly National Bookmobile Day) celebrates library outreach and the dedicated library professionals who are meeting their patrons where they are. Whether it's a bookmobile stop at the local elementary school, services provided to community homes, or library pop-ups at community gatherings, these services are essential to the community. Each year, National Library Outreach Day is celebrated on Wednesday of National Library Week. In 2022, National Library Outreach Day will be April 6, 2022. 

National Library Outreach Day is an opportunity for library advocates to make their support known—through thanking library staff, writing a letter or e-mail to their libraries, or voicing their support to community leaders.

National Library Outreach Day is coordinated by the ALA Office for Diversity, Literacy and Outreach Services (ODLOS), the Association of Bookmobile and Outreach Services (ABOS), and the Association for Rural & Small Libraries (ARSL).

Library advocates nationwide stand together on Take Action for Libraries Day on Thursday, April 7th, 2022, and call on our elected officials to keep #LibrariesStrong with sustainable federal funding, because we all know that strong libraries make strong communities. Celebrate with us by taking action to #FundLibraries, and follow along on Twitter with @LibraryPolicy as we uplift library advocacy from around the country!

Urge your Legislators to #FundLibraries in FY2023!: Take Action Now to #FUNDLIBRARIES

*Please ask that they sign onto the Dear Appropriator letters for the LSTA and IAL.

President Biden has released his proposed budget spending requests for Fiscal Year (FY) 2023, which includes federal funding amounts for libraries. We need your help NOW until the final budget is signed in order to ensure that libraries are fully funded in the next fiscal year.

ALA has officially launched our annual FY2023 #FundLibraries Campaign! This year, our campaign kickoff coincides with National Library Week (April 3-9)—a perfect opportunity to remind leaders that libraries need federal funding. We encourage you to bookmark the #FundLibraries webpage and browse the provided resources that can be shared amongst your library community. Included is the one-page introduction to federal library funding,

     Coloring Pages!